Helping Kids Thrive: How to Create Visual Schedules for Daily Routines

The start of a new school year often brings fresh energy—and fresh chaos—to family life. Whether it's the morning rush, the after-school shuffle, or bedtime battles, many parents find themselves repeating instructions, managing resistance, or simply feeling frazzled. One simple but powerful solution? Visual schedules.

Visual schedules are tools that show kids what to expect and what’s expected of them—using pictures, icons, words, or a combination of these. They help create predictable routines, reduce power struggles, and promote independence. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of visual schedules and give you practical steps to create one that fits your family.

Why Visual Schedules Work

Kids thrive on structure, but spoken directions can be overwhelming, especially for young children or those with attention, language, or sensory processing differences. Visual schedules support children by:

• ✅ Reducing anxiety: Kids know what’s coming next.

• ✅ Increasing independence: They can follow steps without constant adult reminders.

• ✅ Limiting power struggles: The schedule becomes the “boss,” not the parent.

• ✅ Supporting transitions: Visuals help shift from one activity to another more smoothly.

Visual schedules are widely used in special education and therapy, but they benefit all children—especially during transition times like the beginning of the school year.

What Routines Can You Support with Visual Schedules?

You can create visual schedules for almost any part of the day, but common ones include:

• Morning routines: Wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, pack backpack, go to school.

• After-school routines: Snack, homework, playtime, chores, dinner.

• Bedtime routines: Bath, pajamas, brush teeth, story, sleep.

• Weekend/outing plans: Going to the park, visiting grandparents, errands, etc.

You can also make schedules for one-time or special events like birthday parties, doctor visits, or travel days.

How to Make a Visual Schedule: Step-by-Step

1. Pick a Routine

Start with one routine you want to improve—usually the one that’s most stressful for your family. Morning and bedtime are great starting points.

2. Break It into Steps

List out each part of the routine in simple, child-friendly language. For example:

• Wake up

• Use the bathroom

• Get dressed

• Eat breakfast

• Brush teeth

• Put on shoes

• Grab backpack

3. Choose Your Format

You can use:

• Printed icons or photos (laminated or on cardstock)

• Drawings (for creative kids)

• Magnetic boards

• Velcro charts

• Dry-erase checklists

• Digital tools (apps or tablets)

Younger kids may benefit most from pictures only, while older kids can use a mix of pictures and words. Real photos of your child doing each step are especially engaging for preschoolers.

4. Make It Together

If your child is old enough, involve them in the process. Let them choose colors, decorate, or help decide the order of tasks. This increases buy-in and ownership.

5. Display It Where It's Needed

Hang the schedule where your child can easily see and interact with it—on the fridge, bedroom wall, bathroom mirror, or near the front door. Keep it eye-level for your child.

6. Practice and Praise

Walk through the schedule together at first. Use language like, “Let’s check what’s next,” or “What comes after brushing your teeth?” Praise them when they follow it (“You checked the next step all by yourself—great job!”).

Tips for Long-Term Success

• 🔁 Keep it consistent but flexible: Life happens—be ready to adjust the schedule as needed.

• 🎯 Use visuals, not just words: Kids process visual info faster and remember it better.

• 💬 Pair with positive feedback: Encourage your child when they follow the schedule.

• 🕒 Use timers if needed: To support transitions, especially for kids who struggle with change.

• 🌟 Celebrate small wins: Following even part of the schedule independently is progress!

What If My Child Resists?

That’s normal at first—change can be tough. Try:

• Giving choices within the schedule (“Do you want to brush your teeth or get dressed first?”)

• Using a reward chart or sticker system

• Doing a “practice run” when there’s no time pressure

• Letting them help make or decorate the schedule

If your child is still resistant, keep the tone light and encouraging, and look for moments of success to build on.

Free & Easy Tools to Get Started

• Boardmaker or LessonPix: For customizable picture cards (often used in schools)

• Canva or Google Slides: Create simple, printable templates

• Free printable icons: Search “visual schedule printable” online

• Apps: Choiceworks, First Then Visual Schedule, Routinely

Visual schedule example

Final Thoughts

Visual schedules don’t just make life easier for parents—they help kids feel competent, confident, and calm. They create predictability in an unpredictable world, especially during transitions like back-to-school season.

You don’t need to be crafty or tech-savvy to get started. A hand-drawn checklist with stick figures can be just as effective as a laminated, color-coded chart. What matters most is that the schedule fits your child’s needs and your family’s rhythm.

Start small, keep it simple, and celebrate the small steps toward smoother, happier routines.