1) get dressed; 2) take the things you need; 3) leave the house; 4) wait calmly for your turn; 5) listen to the doctor; 6) praise yourself after the visit.
Free printable chart
One page, US Letter, with a box for every step and every day of the week. Put it on the fridge and let your child tick the boxes.
Prefer A4? It prints fine with “fit to page”.
The 6 steps, with a tip for you
- Get dressedParent tip: Comfortable clothes that are easy to take off if needed.
- Take the things you needParent tip: Documents, water, wipes, and a small toy.
- Leave the house
- Wait calmly for your turnParent tip: Bring a short game or a book.
- Listen to the doctorParent tip: The adult is nearby and will help.
- Praise yourself after the visitParent tip: Highlight the child's bravery.
Make it a quest instead of a reminder
Instead of repeating the instruction, start with a tiny story. In Mess Monsters this routine opens like this: “Bed Lump is a little worried before seeing the doctor. Shall we go step by step so it feels calmer?”
You stay the game master. Your child does the real step, you confirm it on your phone, and Bed Lump gets a little happier with every step. The phone stays with the adult; the routine happens in the real world.
Run this routine in Mess Monsters
This routine is part of Mess Monsters Premium. The core routines are free. You can also make your own quest by describing the routine in your own words.
