Sometimes it is so frustrating when you are trying to get out of the house and it seems like your toddler is taking forever to do what you have asked. First of all, toddlers have absolutely no concept of time. Secondly, if you have caught them off guard and they didn't know that you were going anywhere, they have to switch gears. It is always a good idea to give them enough time to finish what they are doing and clean up their mess.
Depending on their age, they may not yet understand words such as fast and hurry. They are still learning a language. This means that you have to plan ahead and give them the time it takes to get themselves ready to leave. You may be thinking that these are cooperation skills that you are developing when they are actually organizational skills. Trust me, this is time well spent for the future.
Toddlers do not have the ability to sort and remember several instructions. You start with one simple task and build from there. "Please go get your shoes." Be sure to give them time to remember where they will find those shoes. "Please go get your jacket." etc... When they become competent at one instruction, then you give them two at one time. You may need to repeat them or explain why they may do them in a certain order. If they need their shoes and backpack everyday to go to school or daycare, you may want to have them in a specific place the night before to make it less complicated in the morning.
With older children that a able to read, you can give them a check list. This is very effective when trying to instill organizational skills. There can be a list in the morning for getting out the door on time. If your mornings are extremely hectic, have a list for what tasks can be done the night before. Prepare a list for what is needed for their activities. Use an agenda for their weekend chores and activities...etc
I found giving a time reference helpful. If they have a favorite TV show, I would say we are going to leave after one... To help them understand that the time it would take to watch is equal to the time we need now to get ready to go. Be patient, they will begin to understand.
Have you been on a committee with someone that is never on time for the meetings? It is frustrating and everyone is upset with that person. This is why you need to decide now if you want your child to be that person, or if are you going to have them learn to use an alarm clock. Do you want to take the time to teach them respect for others by being timely? It is our responsibility as parents to guide our children into using these lifelong skills.
Yes, it is definitely easier to do everything for them. However, if you take the time to build their common sense and have them begin to take responsibility for themselves, you will be helping them be happier human beings. Personally I think that we owe them the time it takes to grow into a healthier, happier, self-respecting, thoughtful, trustworthy adult.
None of us are born with any of these skills. How you decide to spend your time with your child will determine how your child behaves as an adult. Our responsibility when we have a child is to see them through to adulthood by showing them how to be a respectful, self-sufficient member of society. We not only owe it to our children, we owe it to our fellow citizens.
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