Here is a story from a dad, whom I worked with, who struggled with getting his 8 year-old daughter up in the morning.
I have struggled like many dads with getting my 8 year-old daughter up and to school on time. I took a parenting class and private coaching with Cynthia and started making morning changes that has reduced my stress and improved my outlook in the morning.
Before my new parenting skills, I would start out being kind and gentle with my daughter and then end up getting upset and constantly reminding her to get ready. It would start with reminding her to get out of bed, then to stay on task instead of playing, to get dressed, eat breakfast and then when to leave. I became upset and frustrated because we barely got to school on time every morning and I like to be early.
I learned three key ideas that have shifted my attitude and approach. The first is to actually think about what I am doing instead of doing the same and expecting a different result. The second is to realize that an 8 year-old doesn’t feel the time pressure like I do. This helps me be more patient and not expect her to rush like an adult. The third idea is to let her become part of the solution rather than just seeing her as the problem.
Right away I started managing my own feelings and became more patient. Then I started to ask her to help. I talked about the consequence of being late. “When we’re late then we need to go to the office and get a tardy slip. I also need to be on time to my work so I don’t get in trouble. The way you can help is by doing the things I’m asking you as soon as you can.”
Because she feels important in getting us to school and work on time, she is getting ready faster. I only need to remind her two times rather than ten times. I’m happier and she’s happier. We are still barely on time so I’m working with Cynthia to do more problem solving and planning in the evening. I’ll be discussing with my daughter how she can take more responsibility and get herself up in the morning.
Cynthia’s advice has already made big changes in our life. Thank you Cynthia and I look forward to learning more parenting skills and creating an even happier family.
Learn more. Keep reading…..
Step One in Replacing Poor Parenting Strategies – Problem Ownership with 3 roles
Finding Solutions with the Collaborator Parenting Role
©2016 Cynthia Klein, Bridges 2 Understanding, has been a Family Success Coach since 1994. She works with parents and organizations who want more cooperation, mutual respect and understanding between adults and children. Cynthia presents her expertise through speaking and private parenting coaching sessions. She works with parents of 4 – 25 year-old children.
To learn how Cynthia can help you solve your specific challenges, contact Cynthia at bridges2understanding.com, , or 650. 679.8138 to have a complementary 45-minute discovery session. Why keep suffering? It’s time to change!
Copyright © 2026, Cynthia Klein, All rights reserved. Please contact Cynthia to use any of her blog post.
About Cynthia Klein
Cynthia Klein’s mission is to contribute to World Peace and building healthy family relationships is the place to begin. As a parenting expert for over 30 years, parents have learned from Cynthia how to communicate more effectively as an ally rather than an adversary. Her unique Family Harmony System teaches parents of 5 and older how to have open dialogue, solve problems together, support one another, and build mutual respect. Cynthia is the author of Ally Parenting and the video-based self-paced program Win, Win, Win, Parenting. She has presented over 700 talks and coached hundreds of parents privately towards greater family connection and harmony. To learn more about her services of coaching and speaking, contact Cynthia Klein at , visit her website at bridges2understanding.com.
