Hello from Mr. Chazz!
Daily schedules like this one are more about the rhythm of the day rather than sticking to a specific time.
We've added a few special features to this kit to help you keep important things in mind:
- Kids need to break up their days with activities that help regulate the body. We've outlined these activities in blue. Make sure their day is broken up by blue activities!
- Spending 5-15 minutes of dedicated one-on-one time can have a massive impact on your child's behavior! At Mighty + Bright, we call this "Special Time."
- Try to keep yourself focused on what's important, and stay present: What is important in this moment? What are my needs? What are their needs? How can both our needs get met?
@mrchazzmrchazz #greenscreen I hope this tool helps the parents that get it! #preschoolparents #sahm #sahd #preschooldad #preschoolmom #visualschedule #consciousparenting #adhdparents ♬ original sound - Chazz Lewis
Making Transitions Easier for Kids
Changing from one activity to the next can be *hard* for kids. Here's how to make those changes easier.
Imagine you're at your favorite part of your very favorite activity. You're really into it, super focused, and suddenly someone interrupts you to do something you really don't care about. How would you feel?
The chances are high that you wouldn't be thrilled. And if you didn't have much self-control, you might start yelling at the person who interrupted you. Guess what? That's exactly what's happening for your kids when they have to move playtime to another (usually not very fun) activity. Kids aren't giving you a hard time — they're having a hard time.
Here are some tips to make transitions a bit easier on your kids:
Use Empathy
It's easy to get frustrated as parent when your kid is melting down instead of getting in the car. But empathizing with them helps calm you both down. Try saying, "I can see you do not want to get in the car. You're angry. I totally understand why! You were having fun."-
Care About What They Care About
If your child is about to go through a challenging transition for them, spend a couple minutes expressing interest in their activity before transitioning from it. Care about what children care about, and they will be more likely to care about what you care about. Give a 5 Minute Warning
When anyone is interrupted in the middle of something and told they have to stop right this second, it's hard to deal. Give your kids a little advanced warning so they have time to prepare, and the transition will go much better. Supercharge this idea using a visual timer (more on that below).
Special Time
Recommended by child therapists, researchers, and parenting coaches around the world, Special Time is build on the widely-accepted premise that 15 minutes of uninterrupted time per day improves a child's feeling of connection and their behavior. Try to schedule Special Time every day, and know that even if it doesn't seem like a big deal in the moment, it is making a huge difference. More here.
Use a Visual Timer
Visual Timers are total game changers, especially for younger kids. Give kids a reminder that you'll be changing activities in 5 minutes, then set the timer. Kids can visually see the time shrinking and prepare for the change. We love this timer from Time Timer. They also have a phone app.
Hack Cleanup Time
1. Use your child's interests to help them transition.Sometimes picking up toys with our "Dinosaur Hands" or "Putting all the toys back in their castles/houses" is enough to build the motivation to complete the task!
2. Break cleaning into "chunks."Instead of telling them to clean up a whole room, clean up only the red LEGO first. Then when they're done with those, move on to another color.
Check-in
Being able to recognize your emotions is fundamental to learning to regulate them. Develop a rhythm for you and your child of "checking in" on your internal state. This creates an opportunity to practice self awareness and notice the range of emotions we all feel every day.
Toothbrushing Tamer
Parens and kids love Mr. Chazz's songs, and of course he has one to help kids brush their teeth. Check it out here.
Family Meeting
Think of family meetings as a "date night" for the whole family. Family meetings aren't daily — they don't even need to be monthly— but they give your family planned time to look forward to. Incorporate something fun like pizza night or board games. "We plan these meetings because we value connecting and spending time together."
Tips for Getting Kids in the Car
Getting kids to make a transition that involves the car can be difficult. Provide options for your kids to get into the car. "We're going to the car, do you want walk by yourself, hold my hand, or crawl like an animal?"
"Blue" Activities are Regulating Activities
Activities outlined in blue call your attention to activities that are regulating to your child's nervous system.When you have too many "have to" activities in a row and not enough regulating activities, your kids are more likely to melt down.
Water Can Be Regulating
Bathtime can be a stressful time. Here's how to make bathtime more enjoyable! Add epsom salts to the water, which are calming. Adding just a drop or two of food coloring won't dye your kids blue and adds a bit of silliness. Set your own expectations that there will be a mess, and sometimes messes are okay.
Regulation + Kids
5 Reasons why this song is helpful:
- This song helps adults teach young children about the process of regulating.
- It helps start a conversation about when we can use breathing to help us.
- This song helps children practice regulating their bodies with breathing.
- Breathing helps us access the "smart part" of our brain.
- The arm movements in this song help children cross the "Midline," which helps the left and right hemispheres of the brain communicate. This helps the creative and the logical parts of our brain work together, helping to improve fine motor skills and writing skills, and develop reading skills.