A parent picks up the child

#pick up#parent#child#care

The pickup ends the day away and requires the child to leave an activity to go with the parent. A picture makes the transition clear and secure. See how the support works below.

An adult happily lifts a child up in their arms.

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A parent picks up the child

An adult happily lifts a child up in their arms.

About this visual support

Being picked up should be simple, but it often holds a double challenge. On one hand it is a transition, the child has to finish what they are doing and switch to going home; on the other it is an emotional shift from one environment to another. Sometimes the child does not want to stop playing, sometimes the opposite, they are overwhelmed at finally getting to go home.

Visual support makes the pickup predictable. When the child knows the parent comes after a certain activity, and can see it on a picture, the reunion becomes something to look forward to rather than a sudden disruption. A clear point for when the day away ends makes it easier both to stay and to break off when it is time.

A tip: tell in advance who is picking up and roughly when, and tie it to a picture, so the waiting gets a shape. Knowing the pickup is coming lowers worry during the day. In the Routined app you can add the pickup as a step at the end of the day, so the transition home is clear and secure.