[writerchick]

I'm curious if anyone has ideas on how to get kids to get ready for church on time? Punctuality is a must in our family, but there must be a better method than nagging the perpetual slowpokes (the oldest teenagers).

[blossy]

We make sure that everything is ready the night before. The clothes that the boys will wear, their scriptures are on a table near the door and our snacks/lunches are all done too (we live a long way from the chapel).
Also telling the kids that if they aren't ready when the rest of us are and that they will go to Church in the pj's helps lol

[writerchick]

It's amazing how one of ours will be up and ready and just sitting around for half an hour and then when we're getting in the car, say, "I don't have any shoes or socks to wear." It's hard not to lose my temper. I think it's a game he plays. Maybe I should ask to see everything he's going to wear the night before. Good idea.

[kywrite]

Center your schedule around breakfast instead of your leaving time. Then expect everyone to be there for breakfast, dressed and ready to go. It gives you an extra half hour for the emergencies. (of course, you might have to eat breakfast first!)

You could also set a rule for last-person-ready taking the first shower next Sunday.

Jamie

[Diva]

My hubby is not a member, so Sunday's are pretty much up to me, myself and I for getting everyone there on time . I agree with blossy on this one; I make certain EVERYTHING is put out the night before: socks, shoes, ties, shirts, pants, scriptures, everything!! Over the years, they have gotten so used to it that we very seldom are late any more ...it makes for a nice Sunday! We also listen to church music during breakfast and during the drive to church; helps us get in the :mood: especially if we arent feeling especially spiritual that morning....good luck!!!

[writerchick]

Hmmm. I guess I ought to start making breakfast. My kids would be so shocked. They're used to getting their own cold cereal. But a Sunday morning breakfast would bring everyone together. Great idea!

[blossy]

Breakfast together is a wonderful idea. However not everyone eats breakfast in our house.
I love the idea of listening to church music at breakfast time. Since we do live a long way from our chapel (its a 40 minute drive) we play church music in the car during our travels. I believe it helps get us into the right frame of mind for Sacrament.

[Mim23]

Teenagers are tough to motivate. When I was a teenager I usually got up about fifteen minutes before church started, and got there right on time. I would talk to your teenagers about your expectations, and explain that you hate nagging them, and that you'd like to quit and see if they have any suggestions of how they could get up and going on their own. They might surprise you, but they might not. You could offer prizes each week for the first one ready like an extra dessert or something. If there is a shoe issue or a scripture issue, put the suspect items in the car the night before. That way he can put them on while your driving, and you won't be scrambling for them.

[codirector]

"Saturday is a special day..." Ain't it the truth?!!! We have found that if we don't prepare on Saturday-laying out clothes, making sure there are plenty of clean, ironed white shirts (7 boys and 1 hubby-'nuff said), and looking for church socks-then we just don't make it to church on time. It is especially challenging since our Bishop challenged the ward to get to church 20 minutes early!!! My hubby and I trade off with each other so that we both have time to get ourselves ready-when one is showering or getting dressed, the other is getting kids dressed. We also have the older children get dressed first and then help get the little ones dressed. They are also responsible for getting the church bag into the car along with scriptures.
I actually have a bigger problem with getting all of their stuff out of the car when we get home. You know, the whole strip off ties, take off shoes, forget to get their scriptures. It usually takes them 2-4 trips out to the car to take their stuff out!
katie