A good schedule for a 5 yr old??

Question

I am trying to make a poster board (schedule) for my son, the reason for this is I figured it would be a good way to get him on a routine for the day, anyone know of a way I can help him when it comes to his behavior, (ADHD) eating, his daily activities, ect

a plan on what would be good to keep him understanding rules, ect.

Answer 1

Kids do very well with a given routine, and a child with ADHD should respond very well...my suggestion when creating the poster would be to let him help create it so that he can take ownership of the routine.

I suggest something very simple, with pictures and words, and places for your son to put a check, X, sticker or happy face for "jobs" he has completed....for instance:

Get dressed to shoes, make bed, brush hair and teeth, eat breakfast, gather school supplies would be my thoughts for before school...(if he is in school yet.)

Depending on how severe his ADHD is, you may want to post several "job charts" one for before he leaves the bedroom, another before he leaves the bathroom, another before he goes outdoors, etc.

Kerry's Kollectables has a really cute chore chart maker that is free to use....I've used it to myself. The link is below.

As far as meals go, I have a 4yo who thrives on routines, and really needs to KNOW what we are eating on any given day...so our lunch routine is very basic, and repetative...Monday Macaroni, Tuesday Toasted Cheese, Wednesday Eggs Day (egg salad), Thursday This and That (pbj, hotdogs etc.) Friday Feista Fun Day - pizza...this child (he's not mine...I have a daycare home) feels very comforted knowing what his meals are...he needs to sit in the same chair each day, etc...He is a child who thrives on routine, and stresses during transitions.

The trick to discipline, is to be consistant...if you say no, mean it and follow through...but say yes too! Know why you are saying no...that helps both of you. Whenever I used a time-out, I would set a timer...my son would sit til the timer went off...but without a timer, wouldn't sit at all...he doesn't have ADHD, but several of the characteristics...he needed (he's 18 now) boundaries that were clearly defined.

Good luck, I commend you for looking for ways to make your son's day, as well as your own, better! :o)

Answer 2

Try to get him up about an hour before he has to leave for school. Half of that hour is for getting dressed and hygiene and the other half for breakfast. At school he follows whatever the schedule is there. When he returns home from school, have him finish homework, immediately. Between homework and dinner spend time with him or give him free-time. Dinner, more free-time, then bed. For weekends and holidays, adjust accordingly.

Answer 3

A good schedule begins with your love, a motherly love though I'm a man now, but I was at one time five years old, and the thing is to let your son be himself, talk to and with him, his schedule should be one he is comfortable with, one he can quickly adapt to, and if he has a father, then he too should get involved with this schedule you are attempting.  But bear in mind, a balance is absolutely required in your schedule because a five year old will more than likely honor and respect a schedule only, as I have indicated, communicate this with your son, and never ever overlook love for it is the main ingredient that keeps a five year old confident that he has you there and that, mind you, makes all the difference in the world.