It may seem like an annoying dream from the distant past, but those little morning routine snafus are still lurking underneath the surface. They break into the consciousness as grey fuzz and then quickly disappear-as though maybe they were never there at all. But they were and will be again, disrupting parental bliss in foyers all over the city once again: a cacophony of tears and frustration rising through the crisp late summer stillness. The time is now to fearlessly remember and address these troublesome little blips.
Perhaps it’s as simple as putting on shoes for the little ones. It could be remembering water bottles, permission slips, or gym shoes. Or perhaps your child just doesn’t want to get up at all. Teenagers asking for money as you walk out the door-so many things that can happen! Even relieving a few of these little bumps can make a huge difference in how the day unfolds for us all. So, while the pressure is off, it’s a good time to break down the bumps and work on them.
It has been a common belief for decades that it takes 21 days to create a new habit. However, according to recent research at University College London, the average is 66 days. With roughly three weeks to go before school begins, that means you can already be one third of the way there by the time the gates open up again. And there’s no better way to practice than in a setting when the pressure is off.
Author of Atomic Habits, James Clear, suggests four tips for changing habits:
- Make it obvious
- Make it attractive
- Make it easy
- Make it satisfying
Let’s look at a simple habit: putting on shoes quickly. We can help make it obvious by putting the shoes right in the middle of the hallway uncluttered by other objects that could distract. Perhaps having a little rug or stool there for shoes will make the act attractive to your child. I like to flip over a little one-minute sand timer and see if the task can be done before the last grain drops below. Choose shoes that don’t have complicated ties or buckles. Celebrate the success with a quick hug or a high five. If the shoes are a problem, starting now will help relieve the pressure once school is back in session.
Now is the time to think clearly about the common issues that come up. Make a short list of habits to work on, maybe three things. Break down where the problems occur and find predictable and consistent routines following the four tips. And start practicing those new habits now. Yes, we dream of a city where little girls and boys can step out onto the streets with dry cheeks, water bottles firmly in hand! One in which teens happily bounce off to school sporting their gear and armed with the correct balance in their WeChat wallets! A buzzing symphony of prepared delight!
The time is now. Be strong!
Photo: Pixabay
