This is what a home that fosters safety, habits, and independence in our children looks like

 

When I meet various families and visit their homes and give counseling, I sometimes give similar advice. How can children become more independent at home, how can they create an environment that can reduce stress, what can be installed for the safety of children who are still not good at expressing themselves, etc.

Depending on your child's situation or level of development, there may be things you need or don't need at home, so please read while checking only the parts that you think you may need at home for your child :)

So what does a home look like that can help our children develop good living habits, be safe, foster independence, and reduce stress?

 

1. There is a device for the child's safety.

As many children learn to open doors and go out of the house on their own, accidents occur where children leave the house without their parents' knowledge. Since such accidents of children leaving the house voluntarily are common safety issues, it is important to prevent them in advance to ensure the safety of children.

1) Handle lock

Depending on the different handles, different designs may be needed, but this is a locking device that prevents a child from grabbing and turning the door knob. In English, it comes up when you type in Door Knob Cover, and in Korea, it seems to be called a door knob lock.

2) Door opening detection sensor

These days, door opening detection sensors come in a variety of forms..! There is Apple HomeKit, and there seem to be many different brands both domestically and internationally. If you install a sensor that notifies you immediately when the door is opened, you will be able to know right away when your child opens the door to leave the house.

It may be a good idea to put a stop sign on the door to your home and have your child practice asking before leaving the house, but if that is difficult, we recommend installing various devices.

 

2. A predictable schedule is attached.

>Please create a schedule that suits your child's situation and use it.<

I feel like I'm repeating myself, but a schedule really has a lot of benefits .

• When information is presented visually, it makes it easier to process and respond to the information.
• Support you to complete everyday tasks and participate in activities.
• It allows people of different ages to communicate without having to speak the same language.
• Give your children the option to choose their own schedule.
• A predictable schedule can give children a sense of security and reduce anxiety.
• It also helps a lot in managing behavioral problems!

How to use:

In front of the refrigerator, in front of the door, in front of the bathroom, on the wall... Put up a daily or weekly schedule so that your child can see the time for meals, study, play, and bedtime, or help your child choose activities on his or her own.

If there is a process that you find particularly difficult (for example, struggling with getting ready for school), try using a schedule that breaks it down into smaller steps, such as “wake up,” “brush teeth,” and “get dressed.”

We can also think about ways to give children more opportunities to perform more independently and to be able to check on areas where they are struggling so that we can provide more help.

 

3. Have an effective communication method ready.

>Reference image: Incheon Special Education Support Center AAC materials<

When communication becomes difficult, children often become frustrated or engage in challenging behaviors due to discomfort.

If you have difficulty communicating verbally, we expect you to have an alternative communication system in place, such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), sign language, or AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices.

How to use:

The reference video shows the AAC board attached to the bathroom wall, but how you configure your home will likely vary slightly depending on what communication system you use.

Everyone in the home needs to be consistent and use the same communication system.

If your child uses PECS when asking for a snack, and some respond with gestures, some with words, and some with PECS, you may want to set up a communication system that is more tailored to your family.

 

4. There is a space for solo play or sensory play.

Children who need sensory play need a space where they can do sensory play at home so that they can focus and regulate their behavior. It would be good to provide items that suit the child's needs, such as fidget toys, sensory blankets, noise-canceling headphones, sand play, clay play, stress balls, etc.

 

Also, this kind of independent space is a really good place for children to play alone. It would be good to increase the variety of play that children can do on their own by creating things like puzzles, sorting games, block play, and art play.

Use a timer so your child knows how much time has passed while playing, and encourage your child's play by praising him or her when he or she starts playing or completing something on his or her own.

5. There is a Calming Area where the child can calm down.

Some children are more prone to emotional outbursts when they are overwhelmed by a variety of sensations or emotions. If you create a space where your child can calm down, your child will learn how to regulate his or her emotions , and you will be able to calm your child down in a safer space when he or she expresses his or her emotions in a dangerous way.

I recommend creating a tent-like space, but this really varies from child to child. Some people just use a big, soft child-sized sofa, while others lay down mats to divide the areas.

I would appreciate it if you could create a space that suits your child and home environment :)

What would be good to have in a calming space?

Dolls, massage balls, sensory blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, hourglasses, quiet visual play toys, fidget toys, etc...

When your child is throwing a tantrum or feeling anxious about something, guide them to this place and choose an emotion regulation method that suits your child.

You can help them regulate their emotions by using stuffed animals, massage balls, blankets, etc., or if you have already practiced, you can help them regulate their emotions by modeling breathing activities.

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So today we learned 5 things about how to set up the home environment for children!

The home environment has a huge impact on a child’s growth, independence, and overall safety. Since each child is different, it would be better to consult with a professional who knows your child well to help you organize your home more effectively.

 

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