How to do these steps (quick guide)
Short, parent-proof instructions for the routine pieces you’ll see in the plan.
Hydrate together
Take 3 big sips of water with your child. Say “cheers,” model it, move on. 15–30s total.
Feeling word check-in
Ask: “Pick one word or emoji for how you feel.” Accept any answer. Reflect it: “Thanks for telling me.”
2-breath reset
Inhale through nose for 4, hold 1, slow exhale for 6. Repeat twice. Shoulders down, jaw unclench.
First-task sprint (2–3 min)
Set a timer. One task only (shoes / teeth / pack snack). No talking about the next thing until timer ends.
Launch pad check
By the door: backpack, shoes, water, lunch. Touch each item and say “ready.”
Micro tidy to music
Put on a 2–5 minute upbeat song. Race to clear surfaces and put 5 items away. Done when the song ends.
Visual checklist
Draw 3–5 icons (toothbrush, shoe, backpack). Point, don’t nag: “What’s next on your picture list?”
Choice of two
Offer two acceptable options only: “Blue shirt or green?” Choices reduce power struggles.
Beat the timer
Set 2 minutes. “Can we beat the beep?” Start. High-five whether you beat it or not.
Warm praise (effort)
Name the effort, not perfection: “You stuck with it even when it was boring. That’s focus.”
One-line look-ahead
Ask: “What’s first after breakfast?” Have them say it out loud. That’s a micro-plan.
Single-task rule
Only one thing at a time. If they switch, gently point back: “Shoes first, then snack.”
20-second shake-out
Quick movement burst: 10 jumping jacks + 10 arm circles. Reset attention, release wiggles.
Backward plan for leaving
Decide leave time. Count back the steps. Example: “Out the door 7:40 → shoes 7:35 → teeth 7:30.”
Calm check before exit
One slow breath together. “Bodies calm? Bags ready? Let’s roll.”
Kid-friendly script: “Timer for 2 minutes—let’s beat the beep. After that, high-five and we pick the next step.”