Ad
GreatSchools: Involved Parents. Successful Kids

Print article | Back to article

Ask the Experts

Help! My Child Is Always Late to School

     

    Question:

    My child never seems to get ready on time. How can I help her to be organized so that we are not late to school in the morning?

    Answer:

    One way to get your child organized is to design a chart that breaks down what she needs to do to get ready into manageable and specific steps.Then set consequences and rewards for accomplishing these steps. It is important to check the chart each day and review it with your child. Stress the importance of getting to school on time. You may want to talk about all the advantages of being on time - having extra time to chat with friends, having time to ask the teacher any questions that you may have, and preparing for the start of the day without being rushed. See the sample contract and "Get Organized" chart below:

    Sample Contract

    Week of September 5, 2005
    I promise to finish all the chores on my chart every school day. If I miss two or more, I will not be able to go to the movies this weekend.


    Signed:
    _________________________
    Child


    _________________________
    Parent

     

    "Get Organized" Chart

    Directions: Put a smiley in the box if chore is completed.

    Week of September 5, 2005

    Chores Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri.
    1. Set alarm clock          
    2. School bag is packed the night before with homework, books and school supplies          
    3. Clothes (or uniform) are laid out the night before          
    4. Lunch money (or lunch) is in the backpack          
    5. All school notes are signed and placed in the folder or planner          
     

    Dr. Ruth Jacoby is an educational consultant and the coauthor of the School Talk! series.

    Advice from our experts is not a substitude for medical or other professional advice and services from a qualified health-care provider familiar with your unique situation. We recommend consulting a qualified professional if you have concerns about your child's medical or emotional condition.

    Facebook  I'm reading: Help! My Child Is Always Late to SchoolTweet this!    Digg 

    comment Post a comment on this article


    Yes, I agree to the GreatSchools Terms of Use and give GreatSchools permission to post my comments for other parents to read.

    Note: Your email address is required if you would like a response from GreatSchools.net.

    Comments from GreatSchools.net readers

    03/19/2009:
    "This is a wonderful idea but my kid always chooses something different to wear in the morning. She's terribly disorganized and slow."
    04/4/2008:
    "I do all of the above things as you mention but still my 6 year old girl is late. As matter of fact she wants to play and waste her time. she loves school and doing very good too."
    10/11/2007:
    "I believe this parent needs his or her own organization chart as a second grader can only be as late as the parent allows. "
    tracker