Chained Instructions: stringing or chaining too many commands together.
For example:
"Johnny, feed the dog, and then do your homework, and then take out the garbage, and then put the dishes away, and then take a shower, brush your teeth, and go to bed.”
If more than 2 instructions are given, children will lose track and won’t be able to pay attention to the entire string. You’ll be lucky if the first command is completed. We all have short-term memory limits :-)
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Instructions should be clear, succinct, one at a time (2 max), and with enough time for a person to follow up.
For day to day tasks, stick to a routine so that over time, individual instructions become less necessary. For a “good night routine”, a young child (age 3-6) may require the task by task guidance (bath, pj’s, teeth, potty, book, bed). But over time, a simple “It’s time for good night” will set the “train in motion”.
For older kids, ADHD kids, or special occasions where you are out, write the instructions down if you have several things that need to be done. You will be clearer and they will have a tool to use to remember. Similar to the way that adults find grocery lists helpful.
Post a comment and let me know your thoughts.
Beverly Dolenz Walsh
Life and Family Coach
Imagine Your Life...Then Live It!
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