After-School Routines

Your child may:

• need repeated reminders after arriving home
• leave belongings in different places
• struggle to move from school mode into home routines
• want free time before expected tasks are complete
• become overwhelmed by too many instructions
• regularly ask what happens next

The goal is not to fill every minute with tasks.

It is to make the parts that matter clear and predictable.

1. Decide what needs to happen first

You may not need to show the entire afternoon.

Start with something like:

Shoes off → Wash hands → Snack

rather than every task from arrival to dinner.

2. Make the order visible

A visual sequence can show what happens now and what comes later.

For example:

Shoes → Hands → Snack → Homework → Free time

Your simplified SteadyHand schedule uses these five steps specifically for shorter routines or tougher afternoons.

3. Let the visual do some of the reminding

Use short phrases such as:

“Check what’s next.”

The included guidance recommends showing the routine, naming each step simply and gradually reducing adult support as the child becomes familiar with the schedule.

After-School Routine Icons Pack

US$2.90

A flexible set of individual after-school visuals that you can use in your own schedule, board or routine.

The full icon set includes activities such as arriving home, taking off shoes, washing hands, changing clothes, snack, rest, homework, free time, dinner and shower. A simplified set is also included.

Best for:
Parents who already know what routine they want to build and mainly need the visuals.

$2.90Add to cart

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After-School Routine Visual Schedule

US$4.90

A ready-to-use visual routine with guidance for setting it up, introducing it and gradually encouraging more independence.

It includes a full 8-step routine, a simplified 5-step version, blank schedules, an All Done page and a First-Then support.

Best for:
Families who want a straightforward printable schedule they can tick and follow.

$4.90Add to cart

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After-School Routine Visual Schedule + Icons

US$6.90

The most flexible version.

It combines the full visual schedule system with separate full and simplified icon sheets, so families can use a fixed checklist or create a movable Velcro-style routine.

It also includes blank schedules, completion support and a First-Then board for afternoons that need extra structure or motivation.

Best for:
Families who want to customise the routine and change it as their child’s needs or independence develop.

$6.90Add to cart

Not sure? Start with the simplest option that solves your current problem. You can always add more support later.

Not every child is ready for homework or another demand immediately after school.

If needed, your routine might be:

Arrive home → Shoes off → Snack → Rest

and only later:

Homework → Free time

The full SteadyHand routine already includes rest as part of the sequence, and the accompanying guidance encourages starting with fewer steps when the complete routine feels overwhelming.

The visual should support your family’s routine.

Your family should not have to fit the visual.

Everyday challenges often overlap. A difficult routine may involve communication, emotions or understanding what comes next.

Explore another area where your child might benefit from support.