First/Then Board Builder
Make a printable First/Then board to help your child through transitions and daily tasks.
First
Then
Board Preview
First
Your task here
Then
Your reward here
How to Use a First/Then Board
- 1
Keep the demand short — one step at a time. "First brush teeth" works; "First get ready for school" is too vague.
- 2
The "Then" should be something genuinely motivating to your child. If they don't care about the reward, the board won't work.
- 3
Show the board before the task begins — not during a meltdown or refusal. Present it calmly when your child is regulated.
- 4
Use it consistently for a few weeks before deciding if it's working. Consistency is what makes these tools effective.
- 5
Pair it with verbal explanation: say "First get dressed, THEN iPad time" while pointing to each panel.
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