Don't wake up your older child or teen. Just say "good morning," and then move on. Why ruin your morning and your child's with repeated calls to wake-up, followed by a series of increasingly agitated threats and remarks. Instead, don't get involved. Just go pleasantly about your morning, doing what you need to do. If your child is late for carpool or school, don't write "late notes," and don't rescue him. Allow the school to give consequences and if they don't, arrange your own. Be consistent and keep it cool and business-like, showing little interest in the whole affair. This approach teaches your child that waking up is his own responsibility and not yours. His spouse will thank you one day.
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