Since Jared teaches college, fall is a new beginning for us and now that we are back from vacation it’s time to shake off the lazy summer days and get back into routine. We’ve found our kids crave structure and we have a lot less meltdowns when they know what to expect. They are also more obedient and cooperative when asked to clean-up toys, help with dinner, get ready for bed, etc. because they know it’s part of the routine. I’m not saying things always go smoothly, just that having structure helps us rein-in the tantrums and power struggles. Most days.
To help us get back on track I created this fun visual chart:
1. Print 4×6 routine cards at the photo lab. Laminate for durability.
2. Cut laminated cards apart (scissors or paper cutter).
3. Attach to whiteboard, fridge, etc. I chose a whiteboard so I could write times next to each event. (I recommend putting magnets or sticky tack to the back so you can be flexbile and move events around.)
My kids are loving the new chart! They love running to the board to see what comes next. I think it’s especially good for my very independent four-year-old because it helps him feel in-charge of himself instead of waiting for me to nag ask him to get dressed, brush teeth, etc.
It also seems to help with them delaying self-gratification. Like when my two-year-old asks to watch a movie after breakfast I can say, ” I don’t know, let’s look at the chart and see if it’s time for a movie.” When she sees the chart says it’s time for chores and movie time is later she’s less likely to throw a tantrum. It’s not that she can’t watch a movie, just that it’s not time for it right now. (And I love that I’m no longer the bad guy when I say “no, it’s not time for. . .” It’s fun to blame things on the chart! hahaha)
If you are interested in making a visual routine chart just like mine, these printable cards are for sale in my Etsy shop.
I’m linking to: Tip Junkie, Skip to My Lou, Show Me How, Works for Me Wednesday
What a great idea! I hate hearing “what are we going to do today” first thing every morning… seems like this would help take care of that! Thanks for sharing Pamela!!
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Leave it to you to come up with such a great idea! I do that I will be gettin’ me some of these.
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what a great idea! so glad you are designing again! we miss you in the forum.
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These are just adorable!! I wish I was a SAHM to use these!!
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so glad to see you back and posting. I love these, mostly because I had to go back to work over the summer. I now work at a daycare but we have a curriculum and schedule, rather than just let them play all day. I love the idea of this because we do have the kids that ask what do we do next? every 5 mins. LOL.
Would you consider making additional ones to include more school work related items? circle time, free play, story time, etc?
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Great way to do this! I’ve been looking for a picture routine star chart for my kindergartener who isn’t reading yet. I’ll see if these can be scaled down to chart size. So cute!
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I love these cards, but when I went to your easy shop, I discovered it was closed. Is there another way to get these routine cards? I LOVE them and I am desperate for picture routines for my 4 kiddos ages 5 and under.
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