So, What's the Plan?

The first time I met three-year-old James, he tumbled into the playroom, a ball of energy and a huge smile on his face. Without seeming to look where he was going (even though his eyes and head were facing forward), he hurried toward something enticing and promptly fell flat on his face.

Just as promptly, he bounded up, like a real-boy version of Tigger.

James is a boy who (as you already know) doesn't really look where he's going, whether he's walking ahead of you or running across the yard. He's easily distracted. While holding one toy, he will see another and hurl himself toward it so that he can grab it as fast as he can. He loves to jump on furniture, swing, and slap down hard that piece of multi-colored Play Doh.

It's never a dull moment with James around, which can be frustrating for his parents. And, unless we help him now, he will have a difficult time in pre-K and Kindergarten. He may become labeled as that boy who never follows directions or that kid who causes disruptions. Saddest of all, he will likely have a hard time learning.

One of the best ways to help a child like James think a moment ahead (like where he is walking) or to stay on task, is to make a plan.

"So what's the plan?" is a great question to ask. A plan needs to have steps, three maybe even four, and should be clarified at the beginning of an activity.

For example, today we're going to make pizza. 1. First we roll out the dough. 2. Second, we put the sauce. 3. Third, we put on the cheese. 4. Then we put it in the oven and wait!

If your little one forgets a step or jumps ahead, remind him again of what the steps were. "Hey! You jumped ahead. That's not step 2! What is step 2?"

If he has a hard time waiting, remind him that you're right there with him. It doesn't hurt to empathize, either: "I know, I know! It's so hard to wait, isn't it? So let's wait together."

Making and following a plan can be fun when you do it together. And, it sure makes staying on track a lot easier.