Checklists are a great way to make sure routine tasks are completed with a minimum of drama or trauma, which is especially important at back to school time. It’s all about setting and following a routine, which following a checklist will turn into second nature before long. Don’t think your child is too young to follow a checklist—even if they can’t yet read, they can still use a visual picture checklist, and it’s a great way to learn the routine.
General Checklist Tips:
- Many families find two daily checklists helpful: one for the bedtime routine, one for the morning departure. Some families also use an afterschool afternoon checklist.
- Get input/buy-in from your family about what needs to get done every day and then create a checklist tailored to your family.
- Create the checklist – – paper, laminated, dry erase, it’s up to you.
- Post the checklist where you will see it and use it every day.
- It may be helpful, especially at first, to actually include spaces to check items off as they are completed (little ones love doing this!).
- Use, modify and re-use the checklists until they become second nature.
- Don’t reinvent the wheel—there are many good checklists available online—start with one and modify it for your family.
Sample checklists:
Morning, afternoon and evening checklists for kids
http://dsm4kids.com/back-to-school-establishing-morning-evening-routines-4-kids/
Creating a checklist
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-create-a-daily-routine-2648007
Morning checklist for students
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Great-Morning-Routine-Before-School
