Mother, Baby & Kids

The 10/90 Approach: The Secret to Getting Ready

video-about-getting-ready

Image credit: @apparentlyparenting on TikTok

If you and your kids are constantly in a screaming battle about getting ready, you’re not alone.

Kids sometimes don’t want to get ready as it could mean that they’re going away from what they were doing.

Not to add that sometimes adults tend to expect that kids can manage getting ready with little to no help.

The 10/90 Approach: The Key to Getting Ready

Behaviour specialist, Mike, shares the 10/90 approach.

@apparentlyparenting

Ever struggle with every single step of helping your child get ready? “Put on your shoes…where are your socks? …get your jacket…comb your hair!” Try this 10/90 approach to help your child towards independence. #parenting #respectfulparenting #parenthacks #parentingtips #parentingfun #toddlers #parentingindonesia #parenting101 #tiktokparenting #parentinganak #parentcoach

♬ original sound – ApparentlyParenting

He said that what you can do is that you give them a task to do.

They do the 10% and you complete the other 90.

For example, you ask them to put on their shoes and you finish up tying them.

Overtime, you give them more and more percentage to get started before you jump in to help them.

Mike mentioned that if your child struggles with this daily, you should try and focus your attention and energy on conversations.

If you can sense that a battle might happen over the first 10%, you flip it.

Instead of you finishing getting ready, you help them start and ask them to finish the last 10%.

As you increase the percentage, the more they’re going to get dressed by themselves, and that’s the end goal.

Getting Ready Trick Received Well by Others

Image credit: @apparentlyparenting on TikTok

Mike’s video about the approach was well received by other parents.

Many users commented how they love this approach.

One of them commented, “We started that at kindergarten. 3 years later getting dressed, hygiene and activities backpack are their responsibility.”

Another commented, “Conversations and discussions really help!!!”

Another user commented, “It works! I have 3 kids that I need to be ready in the morning,”

Other Tips to Help Kids Getting Ready

NBC News also shared a few other tips to get kids ready and that includes:

1. Make Sure Your Child Has a Good Sleep Routine

It is recommended by Cleveland Clinic that kids get nine to 12 solid hours of sleep.

Sleep deprived kids are more prone to have negative moods like anger and frustration according to Better Health.

2. Get in a Positive Mindset Before Waking the Kids

Your starting mood can also affect your child’s mood.

Try to at least give them a smile and morning kiss when they wake up.

3. Don’t Yell When Frustrated

If your child is refusing to do something like getting ready for the morning, what you shouldn’t do is yell at them.

Once you yell, they would yell back and throw a fit.

4. No TV, Videogames or Phones in the Morning

Try to keep their phones or tablets away from them until they’ve completed their morning routine.

This is so they won’t get distracted while getting ready and won’t be mad if you tell them to put their devices away for a bit.

Teach Them Independence Early

The goal of the 10/90 approach is to help kids learn about independence in terms of getting ready.

If you’ve tried this method, do let us know how it worked for you.

Also, share with us how you get your kids ready in the morning!


Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.


For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!