Structuring Schedules and Self-Care Skills

For many families, adjusting to the “new normal” has meant spending much more time at home. While this can make it challenging to keep the home clean and organized, it also creates an opportunity for the whole family, even young ones, to help out and learn some new skills along the way.

Teaching kids to help with household chores and self-care routines can be a huge benefit beyond simply keeping things neat and tidy. Learning these skills can also help nurture a sense of independence. Big or small, these tasks can make a world of difference, from independently brushing our teeth to cleaning up the table after eating and helping with the vacuuming. It’s okay to start small and work up to the bigger tasks as well. Teaching children simpler tasks like wiping the table and brushing their teeth first can lay the foundation for further growth and skill development down the road!

It’s also important that we give children breaks in between tasks. Finding the best balance and structure to our schedules is essential to making sure that not only are tasks being completed, but everyone is happy as well. Working with kids to create a schedule can help structure the day, while also letting their voices be heard and continuing to increase their confidence and independence! You can use a visual schedule, first-then board, or a written schedule, depending on what your kids respond to best. It’s not a one-size-fits-all system, so it’s okay if each kiddo’s schedule is different from one another. Learn more about visual schedules in this previous blog.

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this helpful and enjoyable. Be sure to follow us on social media and stay tuned for more upcoming blog posts on topics related to autism and ABA. Have a great day!