Getting Out the Door with Fewer Battles: The Power of the Visual Schedule

Written by Kristi Yeh

I have been using visual schedules with my children since they were each two years old. I used pictures to help them prepare for the week, identifying which days they went to daycare or if there were any changes coming up such as a vacation or time with relatives. This can lessen stress for children around transitions and changes to the routine. 

Since the visual schedule helped my kids understand the childcare plan while I was at work, I began to update visual schedules whenever morning or bedtime battles started to increase. Even kids that can read love colorful pictures to bring a routine to life. I am flexible about the order in which the kids complete each task of the routine, giving them a choice within the structure we have created as a family.

If you have been following me for awhile now, you know I love colorful art with my own illustrations and of course my love for Canva! Since I updated my own visual schedules recently, I thought I would share with other parents that might be able to save some stress by simply pressing print. 

One schedule is designed for kids in daycare and preschool, and the other schedule is for children that have started elementary school. If you want customized schedules and more design options, check out Etsy!

More Routine Resources:

• 5 Steps to a Positive Morning Routine for Kids by Rebecca Louick (Big Life Journal)

• 5 Steps to a Positive Bedtime Routine with Kids by Rebecca Louick (Big Life Journal)