Due to D's anxiety, OCD, and PTSD, he needs a regular and predictable schedule. When he first came to live with us, we used these schedule cards every day for a year and a half. For kids who have been through foster care and trauma, unscheduled time is not relaxing. There are more cards than shown above, but this gives the general idea. We have cards for bath, homework, swimming, playtime, etc. To help with the 11 days at home (four of which Dad was gone), I made sure to go over the daily plan each morning during breakfast. It didn't change hardly at all since we spent the break playing at home, but the cards were discussed daily. If we decided to change something during the day, we all went to the schedule and changed the cards around. Even though it doesn't have times, the kids could see what was "coming up next." Appointments, walks, art, and movies also made appearances during break.
Overall, it was the best spring break we have had in the three years we have had the kiddos. We had dentist appointments (again) and a few excursions like a picnic at a local outdoor area and checking out a ranch. There were very few meltdowns and fits! I am not sure the cards can take all the credit, but I think they were a major factor.
Visit my Etsy shop for these schedule cards as a digital download! They have been a lifesaver!
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