Morning Barriers Worksheet

Think about your morning routine at home and what sometimes makes it hard to get to school on time or to say goodbye to Mom. For each barrier below:

1. Draw a picture of what happens.
2. Describe what the challenge is.
3. Tell how it makes you feel.

Barrier 1

Draw the challenge here:

What is this challenge?

How does it make you feel?

Barrier 2

Draw the challenge here:

What is this challenge?

How does it make you feel?

Barrier 3

Draw the challenge here:

What is this challenge?

How does it make you feel?

Barrier Talk Discussion

Purpose: Explore feelings about morning challenges and imagine helpful changes.

Guidelines

• Speak honestly—there are no wrong answers.
• Listen carefully when someone else is talking.
• Use feeling words like happy, sad, nervous, or frustrated.

1. Talking About Barrier 1

1. Show me your first drawing from the Morning Barriers Worksheet.
   • What is happening here?
     
     
     
     
     
   • Follow-up: How did you feel in this moment?
     
     
     
     
     
2. Imagine things went differently. What would you like to happen instead?
   
   
   
   
   
   • Probe: Who could help make that happen?

2. Talking About Barrier 2

1. Let’s look at your second drawing.
   • Describe what’s going on here.
     
     
     
     
     
   • How does this challenge make your morning harder?
     
     
     
     
     
2. If you could change one small thing, what would it be?
   
   
   
   
   
   • Follow-up: How would you feel if that change happened?

3. Talking About Barrier 3

1. Show me your third drawing.
   • What part of the morning is this?
     
     
     
     
     
   • Why do you think this is tricky for you?
     
     
     
     
     
2. Think of a time when this challenge wasn’t so hard. What was different then?
   
   
   
   
   
   • How can we bring some of that good part into tomorrow?

4. Reflection and Next Steps

• Summarize: Repeat back one feeling word and one idea you heard.
• Imagine: Which small idea could you try tomorrow morning? Why?
  
  
  
  
• Encourage: Remember, even tiny steps can make mornings smoother.

Praise the student’s sharing and remind them that today’s talk helps plan a better morning!

Morning Mission Cards

How to Use: Shuffle these cards and draw one at a time. For each card:

1. Read the strategy aloud.
2. Talk about how it might help one of your morning barriers.
3. Decide if you’d like to try it tomorrow.

Cards:

• Set your alarm 10 minutes earlier
• Lay out your clothes the night before
• Create a special goodbye handshake or secret wave with Mom
• Pack a small snack you’ll love the night before
• Play your favorite upbeat song while you get ready
• Use a timer for each morning task (like brushing teeth)
• Take three deep breaths before leaving the house
• Have Mom walk you to the door each morning
• Give yourself a high-five after saying goodbye

Hint: If you have your own idea, draw or write it on a blank card!

Separation Reflection Sheet

Use this sheet to make a clear plan for tomorrow’s morning. Think about the strategies you chose to help you separate from Mom and get to school on time.

1. My Morning Barrier

What is the one thing that sometimes makes mornings hard for me?

2. Strategy I Will Try

Which strategy did I choose to help with this barrier? (From Morning Mission Cards)

3. Steps to Follow

Write or draw the steps you will do tomorrow morning to use your strategy:

4. How I Will Know It Worked

What will I notice, feel, or hear if my plan helps me have a smoother morning?

5. My Special Goodbye

Draw or describe a fun goodbye ritual (like a handshake, wave, or cheer) you will share with Mom before I go to school:

Great job planning! Tomorrow, try your plan and remember to notice how it feels. You’ve got this!

Parent Morning Guide

Mornings can be challenging for both you and your child. A calm, predictable routine helps your second grader arrive at school on time and feel secure when parting from you. Use this guide to create supportive habits and soothe separation worries.

Why a Morning Routine Matters

• Predictability builds confidence. When children know what to expect, they feel more in control.
• Reduces stress for everyone. A smooth routine means fewer last-minute scrambles and happier goodbyes.
• Builds independence. Consistent steps help your child practice skills—like dressing, packing, and saying goodbye—on their own.

Tips for a Smooth Morning Routine

1. Prepare the Night Before

• Lay out clothes, pack backpacks, and choose snacks at bedtime.
• Review the next day’s schedule together.
• Charge devices or set timers (e.g., night-light auto-off) so morning tools are ready.

2. Create a Visual Schedule

• Use pictures or a simple checklist on the wall.
• Let your child move a clothespin or check off each step (get dressed, brush teeth, eat breakfast).
• Celebrate progress with a sticker or high-five when all items are done.

3. Add Positive Rituals

• Start with a soothing song or playlist to signal “morning time.”
• Share a special handshake, secret wave, or “I’m proud of you” note to make departures warm.
• End with a consistent cue—hands together, hug, or silly sound—to keep goodbyes short but meaningful.

Strategies to Ease Separation Anxiety

Practice Quick Goodbyes

• Role-play brief farewells at home.
• Use a timer: practice saying “See you soon!” and walk away within 30 seconds.
• Gradually reduce the timer as your child grows more comfortable.

Use Transitional Objects

• Offer a small item (e.g., keychain, heart-shaped stone, or picture) that stays at school.
• Let your child carry something of yours (like a special sticker) in their pocket.
• Talk about how holding it can remind them you’re thinking of them.

Communicate and Reassure

• Keep goodbyes brief and confident—children pick up on hesitation.
• Validate feelings: “I know it can feel hard to say goodbye. You’re brave.”
• Remind them of a positive ending: “Soon you’ll see your friends, and I’ll be right here when school ends.”

When Challenges Arise

• If mornings become rushed again, pause and reset your routine—add an extra minute or simplify a step.
• Talk through barriers with your child using the Morning Barriers Worksheet.
• Brainstorm new ideas together with the Morning Mission Cards.

Resources and Next Steps

• Review strategies on the Morning Strategies Chart.
• After trying a strategy, reflect with your child on the Separation Reflection Sheet.
• Celebrate small wins—each on-time arrival and confident goodbye builds lasting independence.

You’ve got this! A few consistent steps can turn stressful mornings into confident starts.