Fighting the Morning Time Bandits: Tip Number 2

Yes, you and your child can remember everything that he needs to take with him to school but doing that remembering takes up a lot of brain space (psychologists call it 'cognitive space'). To both speed the process up and to ensure that nothing is forgotten, I recommend keeping a checklist which you and he go through every morning. It not only saves time but ensures that the day gets off to a good start. The list can be pinned to the front door or stuck on the fridge, it can even be attached to your son's bag. My daughter used to enjoy replying: 'Check' in response to my calling out items on her lists.

I use checklists myself, before I go on a run and before I head off for my choir. It means I can get out of the door quickly without forgetting my water bottle or my key!