Therapy and Learning Services, Incorporated
  • Welcome!
    • About
  • Work with me
  • Blog
  • Contact

​​

Shifting Gears: 3 Tips to Help Your Child Deal with Changes in Routine

10/28/2013

0 Comments

 
A couple of weeks ago, I talked about how supporting a child while they learn and perfect their executive function skills is a lot like using training wheels when you teach them to ride a bike. If you missed the post or podcast please take a minute to check them out. 

So, what are we to do when our child is humming along with their new routine and we need to make a change? 

First, you need to make sure that you draw attention to the change. Too many times, when dealing with a "difficult" child, the decision is made to not tell them about the change because of the ensuing tantrum that might occur. In reality, NOT telling a child and springing a change on them, historically, creates more of a behavioral response than if they are adequately prepared for a change. 

Next, you need to start early by talking about the change often: "Susie, on Friday you will be riding the bus home with Karleigh. I will pick you up an hour after you get to her house." 

Lastly, you can provide additional support for your child to help them manage the change. Using the "Susie" example above, you might provide additional support by making sure that both the classroom teacher and the bus driver know about the change and encourage them to remind Susie about it in the days leading up to the change. 



The key to helping a child shift gears is planning {our October monthly theme}. Yes, it may seem like extra work in the beginning, but in the long run you will deal with fewer tantrums and less intense emotional responses. You will also have assisted your child in learning valuable life skills that will help them navigate future changes including those that will occur without time to prepare. 

What have you found helps your child shift gears?  I'd love for you to comment and share. 


Until next time, keep growing and blooming. 


Jen







0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Grammarly Writing Support
    Find this blog in the education blogs directory
    b=939922&u=989373&m=40173&urllink=&afftrack=">Shop Mabel's Labels Online
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    November 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    May 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    November 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011

Two Locations to serve you:
2005 Valparaiso Street; Ste 108; Valparaiso, IN 46383
​3555 Park Place West; Ste 200; Mishawaka IN 46545

574. 654. 8540
Info@therapylearningservices.com
®Therapy and Learning Services, Inc 2016-2019

  • Welcome!
    • About
  • Work with me
  • Blog
  • Contact