Visual routine cards will help keep the busiest parts of your day stress-free, simple and eliminate power struggles!
Start here
Step 1- Learn why routine cards can turn a hectic day 😵💫 into a happy day 🙂
Step 2- Print (or create custom) routine cards
Step 3- Choose a routine chart format to use
Step 4- Enjoy easier, less stressful days!
✨ Coming soon!
The struggle is real — kids and transitions
Before having kids, it was so easy to just get up and go. Getting your shoes on to get out of the house for an appointment didn’t take you 30 minutes (well…unless you’re one of those people who really loves shoes 👠).
Using visual routines in your home is key to helping your child follow the routine (and learn how to eventually do it independently) without yelling, nagging, or reminding.
Do you notice any of these struggles in your home?
- Switching from one activity to the next (like turning the TV off to eat dinner) is always chaotic, and stressful, and prompts many big feelings.
- Frequent asking if it’s a school day, a swim day, library day, or whatever type of day over and over.
- A lack of independence in your routine — You might find yourself thinking, “We brush our teeth every single day before bed. This shouldn’t be a surprise!”
- Confusion about the order of the day — Child: “I’m all dressed for the party!” You: “Sweetie, the party isn’t until dinnertime.”
The solution is simple! Using visual routines is a wonderful way to set your day up for success- we could all have our days run more smoothly, right?
- Less nagging: Instead of calling out exactly what your child needs to do next like a drill sergeant, refer them to the routine cards!
- Builds confidence: Kids feel super accomplished being able to see VISUALLY what needs to be done and then, step-by-step, doing it. The real-life photos make it easily understood by all children (even those who can’t read yet or are nonverbal).
- Encourages helpfulness and responsibility: Your child can independently see and think about their tasks, instead of waiting for you to determine their every move.
- Fewer meltdowns and resistance: Kids who struggle with transitions can visually see what’s coming next, leading to fewer surprises and power struggles!
- Calmer days: No more before-school chaos or before-bed drama- routine cards will keep everyone focused and organized.
How to use the routine cards-
- Download any routine cards you’d like from the resource section above
- You can make custom routine cards using our template on Canva (a free design tool). Add your own photos and edit the text to fit you!
- Print the routine cards
- Laminate the routine cards for extra durability- self-sealing laminating sheets | laminator
- Choose a way to use the routine cards:
- Hang them up on the wall with sticky tack or painter’s tape.
- Attach a magnet (or use magnetic tape) to display them on the refrigerator.
- Clip them onto twine using mini clothespins.
- Put them on a metal ring to flip through
- Use a routine chart (find many options in the resources section above) and attach the cards onto the chart using Velcro dots.
- If you’re using the routine chart calendars:
- Customize the routine chart calendar to include your child’s name using our template in Canva (large 11x14” calendar | small 8.5x11” calendar).
- Print the large, 7-day calendar on A3 (11x17”) paper and trim with scissors or a paper cutter.