Morning Visual Checklist for a Toddler

Unfortunately, most mornings you have to hit the ground running to get everyone off to school, work or appointments. Trying to complete all of the tasks with an easily distracted and slow toddler in tow might be frustrating for both you and your toddler. Setting a routine for your morning and giving your toddler expectations helps your toddler feel safe, in control and more confident according the National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families.

  1. A Visual Checklist

    • Since your toddler is not yet able to read and might become easily distracted and confused with what you need him to do each morning, a visual checklist might be a helpful tool. It uses pictures of each activity he needs to complete and has spaces for the pictures in the ̶0;To Do̶1; column and the ̶0;Done̶1; column. Explain to your child that the things in the ̶0;X̶1; column are things he needs to do still and when he's done with an item, the corresponding picture goes into the column with a check mark. Place the checklist at eye level for your toddler in his room or in an easily accessible place in your home. Use magnets or hook-and-loop closures to secure the pictures to the chart. If possible, consider laminating the chart and pictures to protect them. Place photo tasks on the chart according to the order in which you want them completed. Alternatively, your child can also move task cards from a "to do" jar to a "finished" jar.

    Task Ideas

    • The specific tasks you have on your checklist will be up to the unique needs of your family. However, some tasks need to happen each morning in every household. Getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, cleaning up after breakfast and using the potty are all common tasks for a toddler. You can also add tasks such as making the bed, putting dirty clothes in the hamper, washing his hands, getting his bag ready for daycare and turning off lights.

    The Pictures

    • The drawings or pictures that you use to illustrate each task do not need to be art gallery quality. You can choose bright, visually stimulating pictures or even draw simple stick figures for each task. For an even more customized morning task chart, take a photo of your toddler completing each task and print and laminate the photo for use on the chart.

    Be Patient

    • Likely, there will be an adjustment period and you may have days where not all of the tasks are completed. According to AskDrSears.com, toddlers need predictability and setting and following a routine will encourage your toddler to behave better. Celebrate even the smallest victories and consider instituting a reward system for days when all of the tasks are completed.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Morning Visual Checklist for a Toddler
      Unfortunately, most mornings you have to hit the ground running to get everyone off to school, work or appointments. Trying to complete all of the tasks with an easily distracted and slow toddler in tow might be frustrating for both you and your todd
    • Tackling Tantrums, Biting, Hair Pulling, and More
      Tackling Tantrums, Biting, Hair Pulling, and More Perhaps the biggest trouble that little ones cause their parents is when they throw temper tantrums, and engage in hitting, biting, hair pulling, and other violent acts. Its a Good Idea! Kids are bas
    • Understanding Your Toddler's Bad Behavior
      Understanding Your Toddlers Bad Behavior Because your child does not yet know the difference between good and bad, its not fair or reasonable to discipline her as if she did (that will come later). If you try punishing or threatening your toddler, he