Beating the Monday Morning Blues

My (nearly) 8 year old daughter doesn't exactly wake up like Little Suzy Sunshine...especially on Monday mornings. I have tried every trick, in the book, to make the process more pleasant: gentle cuddles, cajoling/ begging/ pleading, sticker charts, removal of privileges...I have even resorted to bribery ($1/ day if she gets up & gets dressed, without arguing). Each of my best attempts might work for a few days, before she goes back to her Grumpy Gertrude routine. Fortunately, my 14 year old son is up & out of bed as soon as I open his door. This morning, I tried something new with Caroline. I gently put the kittens in bed with her, then I woke Sleeping Beauty. The result: immediate giggles and a few minutes of happy playtime. It's a good day and can only get better!