Checklists and Supportive Coaching
As adults we transition from task to task without effort. We all have a daily routine that ranges from your first cup of coffee, to getting out the door with the kids or getting to work on time. Mental checklists help us to remember our keys, wallet, phone, grocery list, the permission slip for the field trip etc. Our children haven’t yet developed or refined this skill and need cues and supportive coaching, not nagging (easier said than done, I know).
ADDitude on line recommends that children can utilize checklists in their routine to get ready each morning, or even a checklist in an older child’s locker to gather materials needed for each class.
See more at:
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/980.html?utm_source=eletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=September
Making Slight Changes
Making the shift into a new school year means that our families have more on their schedules than usual. That can mean less time for play, and frequently having to transition from play to work or other responsibilities. The “free time” of summer is over and the “down time” that we all need to recuperate is much more sparse.
When kids get that precious open time to play and unwind, they can often struggle to transition back into a structured activity. Even activities that they love, sports practice, choir, scouts and meal times too can become a source of rough transitions.
Making slight changes to the way we communicate with our kids can ease the change. Changing habits isn’t easy for any of us. Simply being more aware of the tone of voice you use, or your choice of words can help children to feel more ease during a shift in activity.
Hand in Hand: offers the following suggestions in shifting the way we address transitions with our kids:
http://www.handinhandparenting.org/article/helping-child-transition-from-playtime-to-naptime/
If difficult transitions occur with a routine, we can look at ways to ease that time of day or alter our routines. Evaluating patterns with our kids and ourselves can give insights into helping our day to work better and run more smoothly. Give yourself that moment to pinpoint the transition that you’d like to go smoother for your family and try incorporating just one or two new strategies.