“Where is he now?” A way to show children what comes next.
The first question arrives at breakfast. Then again while you’re putting on coats, and once more at Grandma’s. Four little pictures can help show what’s still to come.
Breakfast, a walk, dinner, the tree
Draw a mug, a boot, a plate and a Christmas tree on a sheet of paper. At breakfast, point to the first picture together. When the question comes again, your child can find where you are: “We’re at the boot now. There’s our walk, then dinner.” Choose pictures that match your actual plans.
If you’ve prepared a family journey, open the first message after breakfast and find one familiar place on the map. That gives your child something to look for next time: has the little star crossed the river yet?
- Draw four things you’ll do today.
- With the first letter, find one familiar place on the map.
- Decide when to look again, then put the phone away.
Four pictures of the day
| Picture | What you could say |
|---|---|
| Mug | “We’re having breakfast together.” |
| Boot | “After breakfast, we’ll go for a walk.” |
| Plate | “Later, we’ll have dinner together.” |
| Tree | “After dinner, it’s time for presents.” |
“Good morning! I’m passing a wood with snow on every branch. There’s still a long way to go. I’ll send another letter after lunch.”
Adapt them to the way your family talks.
“After dinner” can be easier to use than an exact time. It leaves room for a meal that takes longer than expected.