Using Pictures To Change My World

As parents and teachers, it can often be frustrating to figure out new ways to communicate with our kids.  We get stuck in old patterns and struggle with ways to reach our kids beyond what our words are able to do.  When talking with kids, adding pictures to our communication toolbox can help them to understand a concept in an easier way.

For younger children, using Picture Boxes can:

1)  Pique your child's interest, and draw them into an activity instead of remaining a passive listener

2)  Present material in a way that they can process with both their ears and their eyes

3)  Create visual cues for the child and adult to use in the future

For teens, picture (or cartoon, or graphic) boxes can create opportunities to:

1)  Provide an outlet for teens to journal in a more creative way

2)  Give teens a means to communicate with parents that may be less intimidating than initiating a verbal conversation

Drawing may intimidate parents or teachers.  However, these pictures can be REALLY simple, drawn with your kiddos, OR can easily be cut, pasted, and printed off of a free internet images site or clip art.  You can also take a picture of your child demonstrating the positive behaviors you are working towards and include these in the boxes.  The point is not to have a beautiful picture.  The point is to create a visual reminder of what you would like your child to do.

Some examples of how these can be used are:

1)  a visual reminder of a schedule

2) Teaching appropriate ways to get needs and wants met

3) Teaching how to express emotions in a safe and appropriate way

4) Modeling behavioral expectations (the top and bottom are the same three ideas, but show examples of drawing simple pictures vs. cutting and pasting internet images)

Here is a link to a printable worksheet to use at home.  If you are looking for ways to change up your interactions with your children, I encourage you to try using this intervention.  It doesn't take much energy to implement, and could turn out to be an extremely helpful communication tool!