Routines get lax over the summer break and that’s really the way it should be. That’s what holidays are for – to sleep in late, play loads of games and eat delicious food. But with the summer holidays coming to an end in some parts of the country and kids heading back to school, some changes need to be made. For the kids and me that meant the mornings would start with me barking away like a drill sergeant trying to get them through their morning ablutions to the breakfast table and out of the door so we could catch the bus. I always feel that the more rushed I am, the slower the kids move. Does that happen with you too?
But a friend suggested a way that would help the kids stick to their routine and I would not lose my cool early in the morning. It’s called the routine chart.
What I have realised and you as parents would have also figured is that visuals have a much higher impact on the kids than something which is just written down. So routine charts for kids, or “visual checklists” are my first line of defence against all variety of annoying behaviour—foot-dragging, defiance, avoidance, ignoring directions, etc.
So let’s see how the routine chart works
When the kids see the chart where it shows what they have to do, they know what’s expected of them when they wake up. If they miss a step you can point it out to them and they are aware of it.
5 Easy Ways To Make Your Own Routine Chart
- Print pictures and stick on a piece of cardboard and mount it
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First, write out what your child’s routine is and then find pics and stick in order. Remember to add brushing teeth, laying out clothes etc.
2. Make a flap affirmation routine chart
Once your child is done with the task, close the flap to reflect DONE. This visual reminder that they have done the task will motivate them further.
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3. Make it magnetic
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The badges can be moved to the DONE side once finished. You can also use magnetic sticky papers to draw out your own task list and put them up on a board. They can then be moved to the DONE side when completed. You could even keep this chart on the fridge.
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4. Reward-driven routine chart
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So if they complete their tasks as per you, they earn a star which goes up on their board. At the end of stipulated time, depending on the number of stars they get you can reward them.
5. Use wooden clothes pegs to make the routine chart
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Grab a bunch of wooden clothespins and write the task on them. Pin them all onto one side of a board. As and when your child is done with the task they can move the pin to the other side of the board. So simple and effective!
Mansi Zaveri
Rushita Sheth
KSP Team
