Tips for Working with a Child Who Prefers Physical Routines
Friends, Family and Home
- Tell family members who are caring for her what her routines are.
- Keep family routines, such as bedtimes, and warn ahead of time when they are going to change.
- Encourage friendships with children who have positive habits and routines.
- Allow baby to set his own sleep and eating routines and try to follow them.
Learning, Childcare and School
- Tell teachers what her routines are, and let them know when her routine has been upset.
- Choose a more structured childcare program where general schedules are followed.
- As much as possible, maintain the same routines at home as at childcare, including nap times, mealtimes, etc.
Activities and Television
- Provide him with activities such as board games that are more structured and follow routines, as well as games such as “Charades” and pretend games that are less structured.
- Allow her some unplanned play time.
- Recognize that his favorite TV show may seem very important, and try to allow a system for that to be part of his routine.
Guidance and Discipline
- Tell her and prepare ahead if there will be changes in her routine.
- Stay aware of his bathroom routine even if you are busy.
- Bring snacks along if her meal routine may be disturbed.
- Take familiar objects on trips, such as pillows or favorite bubble bath, and maintain routines as much as possible.
Tips for Working with a Child Who Likes Variety in Physical Routines
Friends, Family and Home
Change up family routines occasionally, such as bedtime or household chores.- Encourage playtimes with friends to be at the same time, such as after nap or homework.
- Make family routines, such as brushing teeth or cleaning up a game, or use songs for variety.
Learning, Childcare and School
- Tell teachers that routines are hard for him.
- Ask teachers to provide flexibility in the order of the day, such as allowing her to choose when to do certain activities.
- Share some of the same routine schedules from school at home – that may include nap times, mealtimes, etc.
Activities and Television
- Schedule fun things, like watching a favorite TV show, as a routine for him to follow.
- Encourage lessons such as piano, baseball, etc. that require routine.
- When on trips and outings, try to maintain habits, such as mealtime and naps as much as possible.
Guidance and Discipline
- Provide her with a clock, watch, schedule or visible means of keeping up with time.
- Provide him with flexible routines and schedules.
- Warn her ahead of time about an upcoming routine event, such as bedtime or dinner.
- Make sure that he gets adequate sleep and eats regular meals.
- Watch for signs of hunger and sleepiness to be at different times for a baby.
