Always reminded myself I was the grownup and I set the tone. Worked hard every morning to bypass spats. Their entire day's tone is set by the time we drop them off.

I don't know what "DS time" is. And I wish I did not know your child's first name. For pete's sake, bloggers, this isn't social networking. Are you concerned about safety or privacy?

Sounds like a good time to "ditch" all the electronic communication and start AHTLC (Actual Human Talking, Listening and Communication). Future roads will be littered with Textheads if we are not careful. How many toys does it take to make a better human being?

In a Joking Mood. Cherish these moments now. <smiles>

Well...
Age of child has much to do with it. Intellectual education also. Communication in every-transaction with the child is held to a learning expirience to be taught. (Don't be a lazy parent-nor too preoccupied by the day's toils and trials to instruct.) The WORK of being a parent is an ocupational responsibility many have allowed to go by the wayside. Thus the societal-issues of the day we are expiriencing now.
I told my now grown children since Birth~ I am your parent now, and will do what my JOB is, after you are on your own- if you live that long- Then and only then shall I be Your friend. hehe.
It worked out fine in the long run. We are great friends. So, plan accordingly Now for the Then; is my moto~. (Time Flies, and then it is over. Parental Relationship Issues only seem endless at this moment.)
If you want the mornings to be brighter? Having a guilt free phychological sense to carry you through-out the day? Tell yourself you did what was right and trust your instruction towards the child holds merit. Feel self assured that the child will understand, and emotionally adjust to the patterns that being in a true Parent/Child relationship contain. Also, it does help to remind them of recent past issues that should have been learned already, and how they were resolved.
It also doesn't harm the childs thought patterns to inform them of what is expected of them.
Add here the information (Bill Cosby) shared; "I made You- I can take you out and make another one that looks just like You!"

What a great kid! We've all had those mornings - glad you guys found a way to make it better.

OH-- Chase I still like peanut butter cups!!

I just had to ask my 7 year old daughter who is in Chase's class btw, what is a "DS"?? She explained it was a small (no cord) electronic thing he plays video games on. Sure enough I Googled it and she is right. Holy smokes do I need to get with the program!
We have smoothed out the dreaded morning routine this year by waking up to her favorite Disney sing along cd(it is very upbeat)and we time it so pancakes can be on the morning menu. So far this routine still works!

The only thing routine about our mornings is getting up and out the door!! Seems everyday there is a new 'bribe'. You need to go to school so that we can go to the park tonight. No, the library isn't open yet (at noon on a Saturday :) so we need to go grocery shopping first. And my fav from last night - you go put your pajamas on first and then we can have a little ice cream. My child's response - No, I'll have ice cream first, then put on my jammies and then play downstairs. Quite the negotiator at 2 :)

I wish I knew how to make the morning routine easier. It has always been difficult for my five year old son and I. I have dropped him off at the sitters half dressed and me in tears. It is horrible. It has gotten a little easier as he has gotten older. Neither one of us are morning people and that doesn't help either. I also use consequencies- taking away Wii at night. That does seem to work. I don't think I dred anything more in the world than the "morning routine" aagggh!