Family First: Stress Free Year

Posted: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 --- 4:22 a.m.

In today's family first report, we focus on chronically late parents.

I know, I know, sometimes it is your kids that make you late for school or bus stop drop off

But the experts at parenting magazine have a great article on it with ideas that can really make a difference.

First of all, the idea of simply "leaving earlier" or setting your clocks five minutes ahead is not bound to work, mostly because you know already that you have that extra lee-way.

They tell us you should make your kids use some form of a calendar, even the young ones.

Write down any special events or school projects/sports practices so your kids are forced to pack up for them the night before.

They suggest you give stickers to the pre-school and kindergartners, and maybe even throw a monthly calendar on your fridge for the older kids.

The second most important thing our parenting experts recommend revolves around clothes.

Too often, whether they're 5 or 15, kids pick out and change their mind on an outfit.

Make a strict rule about one-shot at this and make the kids lay it out the night before.

The third idea is to force yourself to be like a referee and give out a "five minute warning."

Don't be afraid to get in the car and start it so they know you're serious.

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