Last month we began to delve into the different ways caregivers can set up the visual schedule feature on the Thrive app. At the end, we touched on the most important individual in the process - the child who is both utilizing the watch and thus benefiting directly from this feature! This month we will focus on how to engage your child in the process of set-up and beginner’s use - first steps towards familiarizing your child with the application and its benefits. We aim to garner a sense of benevolent ownership between the application and the child it is intended to serve. The focus of this process should be fun, positive and reassuring; placing the child as the driving participant. There are a number of ways to introduce the application (and its features) to your child. Think about how you would like to explain this new tool to your child. Below are some great starting points of initiation…
Show your child pictures or short videos of how the app is used.
Model how you use your watch or phone to set reminders, or even model use of the app for portions of your day.
Use the watch and your child’s other forms of visual schedules simultaneously so your child can see how they work similarly.
Start small. Together with your child decide what portion of the day to put in the visual schedule. Consider starting with a familiar part of the day to support feelings of success in using the app.
Have your child present as you enter activities and pictures. Consider having your child participate in taking personalized pictures for their app.
Practice wearing the watch! There are different types of watchbands out there, so consider trialing different types of bands to see what is the best fit. *Note: check those return policies!* Again, start small...wearing the watch for short periods of time.
On day 1, include mention of the app in your daily discussions with your child. Verbally rehearse or discuss that your child is going to start using the app on their watch.
Talk about reminders. Let your child know that reminders alert them to an upcoming/pending transition. Give ‘pre-reminders’ in the beginning stages - letting your child know to be on the look-out for the upcoming nudge or prompt displayed in the app may be helpful until the initial anticipation becomes less startling.
Review what it means to complete a task within the app and demonstrate as needed throughout the day.
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