Tips for Working with a Child Who Likes Variety in Physical Routines

Friends, Family and Home

• Change up family routines occasionally, such as bedtime or household chores.
• Encourage playtimes with friends to be at the same time, such as after nap or homework.
• Make family routines, such as brushing teeth or cleaning up a game, or use songs for variety.

Learning, Childcare and School

• Tell teachers that routines are hard for him.
• Ask teachers to provide flexibility in the order of the day, such as allowing her to choose when to do certain activities.
• Share some of the same routine schedules from school at home - that may include nap times, mealtimes, etc.

Activities and Television

• Schedule fun things, like watching a favorite TV show, as a routine for him to follow.
• Encourage lessons such as piano, baseball, etc. that require routine.
• When on trips and outings, try to maintain habits, such as mealtime and naps as much as possible.

Guidance and Discipline

• Provide her with a clock, watch, schedule or visible means of keeping up with time.
• Provide him with flexible routines and schedules.
• Warn her ahead of time about an upcoming routine event, such as bedtime or dinner.
• Make sure that he gets adequate sleep and eats regular meals.
• Watch for signs of hunger and sleepiness to be at different times for a baby.