Parent to Parent: Two Schools

WSVN -- It all starts even before the sun comes up -- the morning rush.

For mom Jackie, 7-year-old Spencer and 4-year-old Jackson, mornings can be mayhem. Especially since the boys go to two different schools.

Jackie LeGrande: "Once we get up it's brush your teeth, get dressed, breakfast, get your homework together, get your lunch together, and then we begin the day, the drop off routine."

And that's just for starters.

On a typical day, the LeGrande family travels four miles to Spencer's school, back in the other direction for Jackson's school, then back home so mom can get to work. An entire eight-mile trip takes them one hour.

Jackie LeGrande: "It's very tricky and if something goes wrong in the morning -- like a glass of milk spills on someone -- it's a domino effect and the whole rest of the morning."

Lynn Martinez: "But there is a better way to start the day. Seven's Parenting Expert, Dr. Valerie, prefers a comfortable routine over racing. She says running around prevents your kids from relaxing and could affect their school work."

Dr. Valerie: "You have to have a system, that's the biggest deal. Having a system in place, it's like knowing where something belongs in a drawer. If children know what to do, they'll do it."

That's why you should make sure your kids go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday.

But before they hit the sack, help them get organized and put what they need for school in the same place so they don't forget.

Dr. Valerie: "Everything should be ready, ideally, the night before."

Also consider -- if your child's old enough -- giving them responsibilities, like dressing themselves in the morning.

Dr. Valerie: "The more the child can do by themselves, the easier your life is going to be, and you can explain this to your kids."

Plus, if you have family that lives nearby, ask them for help.

Or make friends with parents in your child's class.

Dr. Valerie: "I had families, and we would exchange kids. So maybe Wednesday my friend would take my children and, on another day, I would take her children after school."

Jackie has one last sneaky suggestion.

She moves the clock up a few minutes.

Jackie LeGrande: "It gives me an extra 10 to 15 minutes in the morning."

In the meantime, she can't wait for the benefits of having both boys go to the same school.

Jackie LeGrande: "I bet I'll get at least another 15 to 20 minutes to my morning and that's a lot. I'm looking forward to it."

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7711 SW 62nd Avenue
Suite 203
Miami, FL 33143