Prevent this by using the Eye-Eye Captain Method to get children to listen and follow
What if you could be as quiet as a mime during morning routines?
Okay, okay. Well maybe you’d still need to utter a few words but imagine this:
Without you saying much, your kids will get ready for school, fix their room, eat breakfast and get out of the door…
… all while giving your vocal chords a rest, and while everyone remains calm.
Sounds interesting right?
Presenting… The Eye-Eye Captain Method to get kids to listen and follow…
…minus all the talking, frustration and a few meltdowns.
What is it?
Similar to the previous post in this series, this method focuses on non-verbal communication to get kids through their daily routine: morning, after-school (including homework), bedtime and chores.
Last week, I featured the To The Beat Method, which uses music to get children to be more compliant and acquiesce to your (musically-delivered) requests.
Here’s how Eye-Eye Captain works: Use images to show kids what they need to do. For example, hold up an image of someone brushing their teeth or a tooth paste and brush, so without you saying anything, the children know what they’re supposed to do.
What’s even better is to show several images in sequence to complete certain routines. For example, stick morning routine cards on the wall where the little ones can see them.
In this post, I’ll be featuring free printable routine cards from Childhood 101. But of course, you may use other images or even create your own for a more personal touch.
This. Is. So. Simple.
Just print, cut and stick it somewhere children will be able to see them.
Every morning, all you have to do is point to the sequence and voila! You get kiddos to follow without getting into an argument or worse, screaming match. (Hey, don’t roll your eyes. It does happen.)
Here are other ideas for you to use:
- Pick-up truck to signal it’s time to “pick-up” toys or pack away
- White (doggie) bone to signal that it’s time to drink milk or eat food high in calcium for healthy / strong bones
- Worm to signal it’s time to read a book or two (bookworm)
- Yellow stop light to signal no running
(If you need more creative ideas, leave a comment below and I’ll be glad to help you out.)
So what are you waiting for?
If you haven’t used this method at all, go ahead and do so.
If you are using this for some tasks or routines already, why not do them for all routines (especially if your children are more keen on visuals or images)?
About Anne Mercado
hi, anne! will this be applicable to a child with autism? my son tends to be very hard-headed and very hyperactive.
Christine,
Yes, this is perfect for communicating with children that have Autism. My own son has Aspergers and I even use it with the students when I substitute teach at his elementary school. The fourth graders that I am currently working with in a long-term assignment think that I am silly but, it saves my voice, when I use this form of communication. Don’t laugh too hard but, guess who has lost her voice?!? You’re right, me!!
"Sharing With You, My World of Autism"
Twitter: NathansVoice
Hope Lorrie’s answer helped, Christine
I think it was a month ago when I made Powerpoint slides illustrating the things I want my daughter to do: drink her milk, brush her teeth, etc. But I never really got around to showing them to her! Thanks for posting this. Maybe I can try to finally put that Powerpoint presentation to use. I can also try your suggestion. Thanks
Simply Superb Replica Louis Vuitton Handbags
Twitter: PepperTan
Wow!! Can you send me those slides????
I haven’t tried this with my kids yet but may do it with my eldest as he loves to turn a deaf ear to me when I am talking to him.
Random Shots on a Wednesday
Twitter: dominiquegoh
same here Mom Dominique…with my 3y.o. son!
My son covers his ears when he doesn’t like what I’m saying. Haha!
Now they just need to invent cards for teens! I’ve decided that’s the most forgetful age, and I’m constantly having to remind them about what they need to do, and teens don’t like parents telling them what to do!
Update Your Fall Wardrobe for Under $100
Twitter: TheBudgetDiet
Oh my Kristl, I’m quite far from the teen stage… and for everyone’s sake, I do hope someone comes out with a few printables to get the older kiddos to follow/listen.
This is a great idea. So far my little one is up and at ‘em in the mornings, but I know this might come in handy later!
Wordless Wednesday
Yes, just keep this in mind for later use. Although, I do hope you won’t need to use this.
We used a similar system with our younger two. After making a page of “to do’s” for the morning routine, I slipped the paper into a page protector and hung it on the bathroom wall. Then, all I had to say was, “Did you do everything on your list?” They’d go check and finish. As a homeschooling parent, I truly appreciated the verbal break! The paper gave them instructions, not me. I got to be the cheerleader instead. NICE!
How to make a vacation bucket list
Twitter: karen_dawkins
I like this idea!
You’re right about the paper giving instructions…it’s very clever.
This is a great idea, I think I could do this with my 8 and 6 year olds, my big boys know what they have to do! Very good post!
Oreo Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Thanks Pamela, glad you liked it.
Okay, I have to admit, when I first saw the title I thought this was going to be some kind of SpongeBob reference. But I love this idea! I like that it can work for my kid that can read and even for the one that can’t. I’ll definitely have to give this a test run!
Working girl…
Hi Gina, I actually think that the title was inspired by Sponge Bob. I must have heard a commercial of it or something. By the way, how’d the test run go?
this photos are great-sometimes the simplest way is the eziest! I’d love this sort of check list for MYSELF!! =)
Extreme $1000 cash giveaway!!
Twitter: ReviewsSheROTE
Absolutely! Simple and easy is the best way to get kids to do things.
PS I had to PIN IT!! =)
Kashi Soft Baked Square ~~REVIEW~~
Twitter: ReviewsSheROTE
Thank you for Pinning this, Pamela!
Anne,
This is an AWESOME article, my friend!! Thank you for bringing it to my attention! If I don’t have my voice back in time for school on Monday, I have a few great ideas to conserve my voice while maintaining a sense of control in my fourth grade classroom. I aim to totally mesmerize my audience here at home and at school on Monday!!
"Sharing With You, My World of Autism"
Twitter: NathansVoice
I’m glad you enjoyed this article. And by now, I’m sure your voice is back
I have 7 kids and three of them have special needs, two having autism. I just would like to know up to what age do you think the eye to eye captain works. My learning disabled teen has her own schedule that she follows everyday, without any guidance. Do you think this will work to on thirteen year old daughter and eight year old son who both have autism?
Another Milestone
Twitter: SarahBucu
Sarah,
This is a perfect form of communication to use with children of any age that have Autism. My own 9 y/o son has Aspergers and I find that if I use something similar with him, he responds better if he has a visual component to add to our existing verbal conversation. You may want to modify pictures according to the difference in age, unless you have found that both children will respond to the same picture. Good luck!
“When The One Whom You Advocate For Is Your Voice”
Twitter: NathansVoice
This is great advice~ I am going to try it with my little guy and see what happens. He is a bit beyond pictures but I will use them anyway.
Pam
Free Printable Daily Agenda Sheet for Moms In Fall Colors With Doodle Spot and Meal Plans
Twitter: mommacansing
Hi Pam! Yes, do try the pictures even if he is past them. I find that pictures illustrate things better than words–a picture of a child sweeping over a sign that says “sweep your room” is much better.
How have you been??
Very good~ I was ill for a month from an operation but am mending nicely now.
Pam
Free Printable Happy Holiday Bucket List
Twitter: mommacansing
Oh I am sorry to hear that, but glad to know that you are recovering well! Do have a happy weekend and thank you for leaving a comment.
I really like this idea. My granddaughter is coming to stay for 2 weeks. This will be fun to do with her! I think picking up toys is the hardest, but if I get our big Tonka Dump Truck out and then post a picture of it, she’ll know she can have fun picking up the toys with the dump truck.
What Our Friends Should Expect From Us – Part 2
Twitter: BeckyJane_
Aww that’s cute and clever, Becky Jane!
Hey Anne! This is great. Might try this with Meg. Everyday is a hard routine before going to school. Thanks!=)
Why is the Transfiguration Chapel in Caleruega an Ultimate Dream Church for Weddings
Twitter: angelirene0411
Hi there Irene! Were you able to use this method on your daughter? And how’d it work?
We’re on potty training right now. Aside from letting her watch youtube vidoes of toddlers on their potty, I could print a picture and post it in our bathroom.
Also right now, putting her on a diaper is a bit of a challenge. So I will be incorporating this idea too.
Thanks for this! It makes childcare a bliss!
Undivided Attention – Are You Giving Enough To Each of Your Child?
How’s the potty training going?