Trouble Getting Out in the Morning?

My son will be 3 in December, and generally he's good about getting dressed and getting out of the house in the morning. But some days, like today, he dawdles and dawdles. Lots of "I want to hear this CD or read this book," etc. I give him warnings, tell him we are leaving soon, he needs to pick out his shoes (usually the last thing we do before we go), etc. try to make a game out of racing out of the house, etc. But all of this seems to go in one ear and out the other--if he wants to do something he can really dig in his heels. So in desperation I yell at him, and that does get him moving. But I hate starting our days this way. Picking him up and carrying him out works, but tends to delay things even more since a monster tantrum usually ensues.

By the way, I am going to work. He needs to get to daycare, so it's non-negotiable--when we have to go, we have to go. I really can't be late.

Any other suggestions that have worked for people, other than yelling or carrying? TIA!

Re: Trouble Getting Out in the Morning?

I use a timer. I tell DD she must stop whatever she is doing when the timer rings. It's very effective.

Re: Trouble Getting Out in the Morning?

Having a routine is key!!! You have to do the same thing everyday and plan to be out the door 15 minutes earlier than needed (in case problem).

For my DS (was 3 in May), we get out the door at 7:45. So my DS wakes up at 6:30. He gets the first half hour to watch TV. At 7:0O) he gets dressed and has to help make his lunch (pick out what he wants) and has a breakfast snack (he eats breakfast at school so has a small cup of dry cereal and OJ). I allow half and hour for that while getting myself ready.

I get my DD (17 mos) up at 7:30 if she is not already up. I get her dressed right away and start getting out the door.

Oh while DS is watching TV from 6:30-7:00 is when I get myself ready for the day.

It really comes down to establishing a routine!!!!! It may be a struggle for the frist few days but once its established there are usually few hiccups.

Re: Trouble Getting Out in the Morning?

I'd go for the bribe. Some sort of treat that he gets once he is buckled in.

Re: Trouble Getting Out in the Morning?

Ahhh, the routine could have been the problem today. Usually, he gets up by 7:30, watches TV for about half an hour while he drinks his milk and I finish getting ready. When Elmo's World is on, I get him dressed. We are out the door by 8:15 at the latest usually (and that pads it a bit). Today we didn't need to leave so early, so I let him sleep longer, he missed Sesame Street, etc. It may have seemed like a weekend to him, who knows?

So I probably should get him up at the usual time, even when I go to work later (I work 1-9 tonight).