Think ahead to things you want your child to do in the future. Model those activities now, to help your child get into the routine. You will be doing the activity. Your child can watch or participate with your help.

Routines help your child learn to anticipate what will happen next. Your child can learn that we always put away toys when we are done with them, or we put away our plate when we’re done eating.

A pick-up routine helps your child become comfortable with ending an activity. It’s also helpful to show your child what will be happening next when you’re done picking up.

Today’s activity: When done with an activity, encourage your child to help put a toy away. Say, “bye-bye, toy” or “all done, food” as you put things away.

Visit www.TheInteractionCoach.com to see the directory of speech-language pathologists licensed in your area. If you can’t find one in the directory, contact me at [email protected] and I’ll track down someone for you.