by Julietta Skoog from Sproutable – Certified Positive Discipline Advanced Trainer with an Ed.S Degree in School Psychology and a Masters Degree in School Counseling with over 20+ years of experience helping families in schools and homes.
Navigating the daily routines and transitions with young children can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Yet there’s a simple tool that can make these moments smoother: preparing the group in advance. This Positive Discipline tool a responsive environment for young children and invites more harmony.
Why Preparing Kids in Advance Matters
Preparing kids in advance offers them a sense of predictability and control. For young children, transitions between activities or changes in routine can be challenging because they are biologically wired to stay focused on whatever it is that is interesting and stimulating. It is not natural to quickly move on from their preferred activity. By giving them a heads-up about what’s coming next, their brain has a chance to catch up to the idea of being flexible, making the transition smoother and more manageable.
Strategies for Preparing in Advance
Use Curiosity Questions:
Engage children with questions that prompt them to think about what’s needed for upcoming activities. For example, “What kind of voices will we use in the hallway?” “How should we clean up the toys?” or “Soon, it will be time to come inside. What is the last thing you want to take a turn on?” These questions not only prepare children for what’s next but also help them feel involved in the process and gives them a clear expectation to help them feel more in control.
Daily Routines:
Incorporate preparation into daily routines by discussing plans ahead of time. For example, in the morning, you might say, “Are we going to walk to school or ride our bike today?” or “Will we take a long bath or a short bath before reading?” This helps children anticipate what’s coming and participate in decision-making.
Special Events:
For special occasions or changes in routine, prepare children by discussing what will happen. For example,, “We’ll go to the grocery store in the morning, but the grandparents will visit in the afternoon, so we’ll have a shorter quiet time.” Involving children in planning helps them understand and accept the changes more easily.
Choices and Options:
When possible, offer choices to children about upcoming activities. For example, “I need to run errands today. Would you prefer to come with me, or would you rather stay at Grandma’s house?” Providing options gives children a sense of agency and prepares them for the day ahead.
Use a Calendar:
Make it visual! Keep a family calendar that has relevant events that matter to the child, for example travel, holidays, school or special events, changes in pick up or drop off routines, or the start of a new class. Even pre-readers can “read” special symbols that denote particular events. This boosts memory and executive functioning as a bonus.
For Very Young Children
Start Early:
Even very young children, including babies and toddlers, benefit from advance preparation. Talk to them about what’s happening next, using simple language and clear explanations. For example, “We’re going to have lunch soon, and then it will be nap time.” This practice helps even the youngest children feel more secure and attuned to their environment.
Model Communication:
Use this opportunity to model respectful communication and involve children in the process. For example, engage in simple “serve and return” interactions, where you talk to them and respond to their babbling or gestures. This builds their understanding and fosters a sense of inclusion.
Incorporating this preparation and practice into their routine can make a significant difference in how young children navigate their day. By using curiosity questions, offering choices, using visuals and communicating effectively, you invite cooperation. This approach not only supports smoother transitions but also helps children feel safe, valued and understood.
