I heard from so many parents just how stressful it can be to get everyone ready on time in the mornings. As a mum, I have first-hand experience of that as well.

Unfortunately, when stressed, we tend to focus on getting ready in a most efficient way, doing things for our children that they are capable or almost capable of doing themselves. This can lead to repeating the same things morning after morning, feeling increasingly overwhelmed, unappreciated and resentful.

We can interrupt this pattern by taking steps to enable your children to take more responsibility for their part of getting ready in the mornings.

When children are playing a more active role:

• You have less to do and less to think about

• Your children are getting on with their tasks, soaking up the sense of accomplishment