1) go to the toilet before leaving; 2) get dressed for the weather; 3) put on shoes; 4) take the things you need; 5) leave the house; 6) come back and wash hands.
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
- Go to the toilet before leavingParent tip: Better to do this before getting dressed.
- Get dressed for the weatherParent tip: Look out the window or check the forecast together.
- Put on shoesParent tip: Check that the shoes are not on the wrong feet.
- Take the things you needParent tip: Water, wipes, keys, or a favorite toy.
- Leave the houseParent tip: Praise the quick getting-ready moment.
- Come back and wash handsParent tip: Reinforce the end of the routine.
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 has been sitting at home too long and wants some fresh air. Shall we help get ready for a calm walk?”
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.
