If you’re a parent, you know how challenging it can be to get the kids out the door in the morning and ready for bed in the evening. Little ones often get distracted and forget all the steps involved in getting ready, so having a visual reminder can be a great help. I’m going to show you how to use our new routine flip charts for kids to make your mornings and evenings easier!
Why are routine charts helpful for kids and toddlers
Young children can get easily distracted and lose focus of what they were doing, having visual cues works well to keep them on track.
Toddlers and young children enjoy the interactive nature of a routine flip chart and get a sense of accomplishment when they can see the tasks they have completed.
Knowing what to expect can help prevent tantrums in younger children, and bring a sense of order to older children who may struggle with transitions.
If you have multiple kids, it can be hard to give your attention to all of them at the same time. Giving them a schedule they can follow without your help allows you to care for the younger children or do other chores while they complete their tasks independently.
What you’ll need
To make these routine flip charts you’ll need the following supplies:
- Printable routine chart template
- White card stock
- Scissors
- Velcro dots, magnetic tape or blu-tack (to secure the tabs in place when closed)
How to make your routine flip chart
1. Edit and Print
Start by editing the child’s name by opening the printable flip chart file with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer. Our printable routine flip charts also include a fully editable version, so you can edit the wording, change the tasks by choosing from 36 different icons, or even translate to a different language!
When you’re ready, print your chart on white card stock or matte photo paper. After printing the front of the chart, flip the page to print the back. This is important to make sure that the flaps say “done” when flipped up.
2. Fold and Cut
Fold along the line on the back of the chart, then flip the page and cut on the dotted lines at the front to create the tabs.
3. Secure the Tabs
Use velcro dots, magnetic tape or blu-tack to keep the tabs in place. Just attach your preferred option to the marked dots on the flip chart.
My velcro squares were too big, so I cut them down. You don’t want the tabs to be too sticky, specially if you’re hanging the chart on a wall, as the child needs to be able to easily open them without pulling the whole chart off.
4. Display
Hang the chart on a wall or vertical surface at a height that your child can reach, so they can start using their routine chart.
How to use a routine flip chart
Display the chart in an easily accessible place in your home where your child can see it. Show them what it is and how the routine chart works.
Now your child can see all their daily tasks at a glance and, as they finish each one, they can ‘tick’ them off by simply flipping the tabs up.
Where to place the routine flip chart
The placement of the kids routine chart is important. It needs to be in an area of your house that your child can easily access without assistance and that makes sense for the morning and evening routine. Don’t forget to make sure the chart is at the right height for them, specially for toddlers and younger children.
For us, we figured the best place would be at the side of a cupboard that is right outside the kids’ bedroom. This way they can look at the charts as they get out of their room in the morning or before going to bed at night, and check all their tasks. We hung the older kid’s charts higher up and the youngest’s at the bottom, so they can both easily reach them.
If you’re looking to start a routine chart for your kids, make sure to check our printable routine flip charts below. They are available in 2 different colour options and include a fully customisable version, so you can make your own to work with your family routines.
