"Our Day" Story Poster

The "Our Day" poster

indirect and concrete

The concrete pictures provide the message

(versus our words)

Many of us have now been required to make some major adjustments to how we work and live, including working productively from home more than we may be used to, and with our young children present full time.

Maintaining a daily schedule always helps young children know what to expect, and what is expected of them. Making and displaying a pictorial, “Our Day” family poster of the schedule works especially well with young children.

When young children know our agenda, (what we want from them) they often respond, albeit unconsciously, by digging in their heels. Our language is often too direct, creating pressure on the young child, especially when we accompany it with rational explanations, even and especially with children who have a facility for expressive language.

Prepare Thyself

respond, vs. react

Create and "bring to life" a reasonable schedule, by making an "Our Day" Poster, using your own drawings, photos of your family, or clipart, as shown in the photo.

Make sure your needs are reflected in the poster.

Weekday and weekend schedules may be different. Consider using Velcro fasteners so you can change the schedule.

Include your 4-6 year old in the process. Younger children can glue the pictures in place, or decorate with stickers & markings.

If you have older children (6 and up), a clock face can be useful, but for younger, the timing is not relevant, and provides you with more flexibility.

Objectively refer to the poster when your child needs support. Example, "We decided that right now it's time for you to play on your own, and for me to work on my own."

Home Sweet Home

Doing chores together

Using the poster to indicate a time to do chores together, as a family, encourages a positive attitude and sense of belonging.

Your poster could specifically illustrate each person’s chores, or chore choices for the day.

Provide a child-size dustpan and broom, and other real tools, such as a dust buster, carpet sweeper and damp sponge (for washing surfaces).

Children enjoy cleaning (appropriate) toys, which can be placed in a tub of warm soapy water with a sponge or scrub brush. Towel objects off afterwards for a nice finishing touch.

If you have plants with broad leaves, provide a small spray bottle and damp sponge to “polish” the leaves. Demonstrate: Spray the bottle 4 times one one leaf. Set the bottle down. Put one hand under the leaf while wiping the damp sponge slowly across the top of the leaf. Repeat with other leaves until their heart’s content. Add a smock to make the activity even more special.

Children at their Best

The child says,“Tell me a story”

Use your poster to tell the daily story. (The example follows the poster in the photo.) “Once upon a time, there was a special family. In this family there was (name the members, including pets). In the morning when (name the child) woke up, they changed their clothes, used the potty, washed their hands, and brushed their teeth. Then the child came to the dining room and had breakfast. After eating breakfast, and cleaning up, the child played on their own, while their parent worked on their own, etc, etc.

Reminder:

When your child needs support, point to the appropriate picture on the poster, and objectively state (for example), "We decided that right now it's time for you to play on your own, and for me to work on my own.” Then (wonderingly) ask, “Hmmm…what will you play with I wonder… the baby doll, the ocean puzzle, or something else..?”

Moving Forward

My hope is that we are collectively able to maintain a spirit of hope and connection, living our values as we maintain care and support for each other. We are not in this alone.. We really do need each other…