Inspired by Conference

One of the things that I am always considering, is how to allow Abbie to gain the greatest degree of independence.  Sometimes it's the simplest things that get us stumped.  We have been working on self-care and Conference got me motivated to just get.it.done!  Abbie does well with lists/pictographs.  I have made morning & evening routine lists, a list of directions for how to change her pad, and now.... (drum roll please)... the shower list!  I made this when we came home, and it is working very well so far.

When I make these lists for her, I write them at her level.  If your child is above this reading level, then make a list that works for them.  If your child is below this reading level, then make a list that highlights the pictures and make it work for them.  For example, she sometimes forgets to remove her socks and has stepped into the tub or shower with them on.  I personalized her instructions with that note to not forget her socks. :)

We have found that Abbie does well with a combination of written instructions with some photos to reinforce/remind her of the step.  I know she can already get dried off and dressed herself, so I didn't include that.  I did forget one thing that she reminded me of, the little smarty pants.  I forgot to add "close the shower door", so I'm going to see if I can write that in with marker, or if that doesn't stay I'll just modify and laminate a new one.

I have a laminating machine (so worth it!), so I laminate these and then place them where they are needed, or she will sometimes just carry them with her.  I hung this in the kids' bathroom last night.  She immediately had to try it out (yay!).  This morning when she woke up, she had to try it out again :)  I need to get another pump for body wash.  I found the soap pumps on clearance for .48 cents.  These are not the ones for foam, but for regular liquid soaps.  They are thicker, and the foam mechanisms can't always handle the heavier texture & consistency of shampoo or body wash.  I removed the labels and used permanent marker to relabel them.

Another great idea I got at conference was how to make sure they have the correct water temp.  First, show them how to turn on the shower and adjust it to the temperature they like.  Then, take 2 small pieces of electrical tape and place them in a line across the shower handle. (Make sure it's clean and dry when you tape or it won't stick very well!) Then they just have to line up the tape and they have the right temp-not too hot and not too cold. This works well if you have a single handle control.  If you have double handles, you can do the same thing for each handle.

I hope this is helpful to other parents out there who just want to be able to say "take a shower", and know their child can get it done with minimal assistance or prompting (*sigh of relief*).  Finally.  Why didn't I think of that?