When my son was around five, he had difficulty transitioning between activities. Going from playtime to mealtime was particularly challenging for him, often resulting in confusion as he wasn't prepared for the change.
To help him cope, we started using a Time Timer (Check out our shop for info on this) and visual schedules with pictures depicting each activity in sequence.
Whenever a change was coming (play to mealtime), we would set the timer and let him know how long until the change.
Over time, he began to rely on the timer, sometimes wanting to set it himself to keep his sisters in line!
There are so many benefits to having routines in place!
So what are they?
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Knowing what to expect and having a structured routine can reduce feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Predictability is KEY, Especially if you are caring for someone who is neurodivergent.
Conserve Mental energy: By automating certain tasks and decisions, activities become habitual, meaning less cognitive effort is required to complete them, allowing individuals to save mental energy for tasks that need more brain power!
Improved Emotional Regulation: (I know right?! How good does this sound?)
Consistent routines offer stability and security, helping to regulate emotions and mood responses. This is especially valuable for individuals with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or anxiety disorders, providing a dependable anchor during emotional distress.
So now what? We need to create effective routines.
Start with a Basic Schedule: Create a daily schedule that includes regular times for waking up, meals, activities, and bedtime. Keep it simple and consistent. (I know you're all impatiently wanting to open that Word doc and start creating! Public Service Announcement - Though it seems like dull task, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
Involve Everyone: Encourage all family members to follow and maintain the routine. This promotes a sense of ownership and cooperation.
Use Visual Aids: Use visual schedules or charts with pictures for younger children or individuals who benefit from visual cues.
Display the schedule in a prominent place where everyone can see it.
Provide Transition Time: Allow sufficient time for transitions between activities. Use timers or cues to signal upcoming changes to help smooth transitions. You could even bust out a favourite song to get everyone moving!
Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate what is expected during each part of the routine.
Use simple language.
Be Flexible: No, we aren't talking about Mum or Dad attempting cartwheels in the lounge.
Consistency with the routine is important but be open to making adjustments as needed.
There's always unexpected events or changes in daily routines.
Celebrate Success: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements when routines are followed successfully. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce the routine.
By implementing these simple steps, you can establish effective routines at home that promote structure, predictability, and harmony for everyone in the household.
Check out some examples below!
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