Here’s a profound thought: By their very nature, multiple-step tasks include multiple opportunities for one to get “off-task.” This is especially true for those of us who are prone to getting “off-task” in the first place. For example, we set out to clean our room, but in the process, we find an old bag of balloons we forgot we had! Who can resist blowing up a balloon? Not us! In an instant, we’re off-task.
What’s a parent to do?
Try a little structuring for success! Here’s how:
(1) Change your lingo from “chores” to “responsibilities.” (Try it: you’ll be surprised what a difference this makes.)
(2) Identify one multiple-step responsibility to structure at a time (getting ready for school, getting ready for bed, cleaning his room, etc.)
(3) After your child has completed this routine responsibility with your supervision several times, praise his work, and then sit down with him to make a small chart or poster listing all the multiple-steps involved in this multiple-step task. It is important that your child is involved in making this chart so he will take “ownership” of the task. It is important for you to keep your child on-task for completing the chart.
(4) Say, “You’re doing such a great job completing this responsiblity, you don’t need my help with this anymore. Let’s work together to make a list of all the steps in getting ready for school each morning (or whatever responsibility you’re working on.) What’s first?”
(5) Have him either write down the multiple-steps in the responsibility or work together to draw or cut and paste pictures of each step on the checklist.
(6) Use charts or sticker charts to track and reward “immediate obedience” at completing responsibilities. Try making your own charts or click on these templates from Microsoft Office for ideas:
(7) Talk with your child about appropriate rewards and consequences for either completing or not completing her responsibilities. Work together to identify age-appropriate rewards that will motivate him and write these down.
(8) Follow-through consistently on both consequences and rewards. Consider the suggestions outlined in earlier posts about natural and logical consequences for more guidance.
(9) Once your child experiences success with one multiple-step task, take on another one!
I’d love to hear about your successes and frustrations: Please comment below, add “@flexiture” to a tweet on twitter, or post your comments on the Flexiture Facebook wall.
(c) 2010, flexiture, monte w. davenport, ph.d.
