The best way to build kids' independence: using visual cues every day

Time cues

Time is a very abstract concept for little ones. Yesterday, tomorrow, later, in five minutes: it's all the same thing in their minds! The monthly family planner and the weekly planner will help them find their place in the day, the week and even the month. By using the Magnétos chore magnets, those little pictograms that mark chores, appointments and activities as well as celebrations and special occasions, kids learn to find their bearings in time without our help. Moving the little “Today” star lets them become aware of time passing, and also see what the current day is made of. And the famous Time Timer is the perfect complement to Les Belles Combines tools: it easily shows kids how much time they have to complete a task, and it can be used alongside the routine bracelet or during a little mission. 

Space cues

The toy tidy-up operation often turns into a toy camouflage operation. The result: you end up with a toy chest or storage bins filled with all sorts of random things. Setting up a visual storage system helps avoid this never-ending chaos. Labeling each storage bin in the playroom gives kids cues and lets them put each toy in the right place! Our new collection of storage labels is not only practical, but above all GORGEOUS! Are you more of a spice or a Scandinavian type? Cues to remember how to do things

At the risk of repeating myself, parents need to become experts at modeling. We commonly delegate chores or responsibilities to kids without having given them a concrete model. Yet this step is crucial. After doing the task in front of them, then with them, it's best to leave them a little visual cue of the main steps to follow. For example, the Petites Séquences stickers are very handy for helping your kids remember each step of washing up properly, making a bed correctly or having breakfast, from preparation to cleanup. 

Cues as reminders

If your kids are learning a new series of actions such as the morning routine, it's best not to rely on their memory alone to see them through. For a while, give them a visual cue so they can remember everything on their own. This is sure to boost their confidence in their own abilities. The My Morning Routine reminder bracelet or My School Bag are excellent tools to help little ones stop forgetting things. 

Cues to mark our expectations

There are lots of instructions in our kids' lives. There's everything that needs to be done at home, but also the expectations of teachers and of the before- and after-school care staff. It's best to favour visual cues over words when we introduce new rules. Our posters such as Before Turning On a Screen or The Rules of Our Craft Corner will give your kids easy access to the rules to follow!

For more tools and ideas that will foster independence in your little ones and your big ones alike, head this way!

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