Quick win
Quick 5–10 min
You need five quiet minutes. They need a job. Sorted.
Find yours in 10 secondsThe Later Permission
On hard-day arrivals: 'You don't have to tell me right now. I'm here when you're ready.' Once. Then done.
The 30-Second Hold
When they arrive: 30 seconds of holding. No talking, no patting, no releasing early.
The Energy Check
'What's your energy level this morning? 1 is dragging, 5 is bouncing.' Three seconds. No judgment.
The You're Home
Say exactly these words every day when they walk in: 'You're home. Nothing is required.'
The Shoulder Shake
Shake out both shoulders five times, then both hands. Together, no explanation needed.
The Three Jumps
Jump three times before doing anything else. That's the physical signal that school is over.
The Big Drink
A full glass of water at the door. Drink it before shoes are even off.
The Later Permission
On hard days: 'You don't have to tell me what happened right now. I'm here whenever you're ready.' Then completely let it go.
The Order Choice
The child picks which homework to start and in what order. The work doesn't change, but who controls the entry point does.
The 10-Second Door Pause
Count to 10 at the door before it opens. Forgotten things get remembered.
The One Good Thing
Before we leave: everyone names one thing they're actually looking forward to today.
The 10-Second Door Pause
Count to 10 together at the door before opening it. Forgotten items surface in those 10 seconds.
The Exit Hug
One hug before shoes go on. Every morning, without exception.
Ten Jumping Jacks
Ten jumping jacks in the kitchen before breakfast. Parent included. Non-negotiable.
The First Good Thing
"What's the first nice thing happening today?". Before any instruction, before everything.
The Coin Flip
A coin decides who goes first. No argument possible, no one to blame.
The Freeze
Everyone freeze. Don't move. I'm counting to 10.
The Separate Countdown
Each child to their own space. Parent counts to 60 out loud. They come back at 60.
The One Word
One question only: 'Give me one word for today.' Accept whatever comes. No follow-up.
The Shoe Spot
One dedicated spot near the door. Shoes only ever live here.
The Tomorrow Gift
"What's the one nice thing you want to do tomorrow?" One answer. Done.
The First Good Thing
"What's the first nice thing happening today?", and the brain has a reason to get up.
The Countdown Challenge
I'm counting to 30. See if you can be completely dressed before I finish.
The Countdown to Vertical
Count down from 10. At zero, the only ask is sitting up.