Getting out the door.

Shoes, coat, car seat, go. Leaving means stopping what you're doing and a lot of steps at once. A picture order helps.

Visual schedule

Time to Go

  • Shoes on
  • Coat on
  • Out the door
  • Into the car seat
  • Buckle up
  • We're going
Make it yours

More ways to make leaving easier

What to expect

Leaving is hard because it's a transition plus a stack of small steps, often while you're rushing. A picture order lets your child do the steps themselves instead of being hurried through them. Change anything.

One tip from a dad who's been there

Start the leaving routine earlier than feels necessary, and let the schedule do the rushing instead of your voice. A first-then (first car, then where we're going) gives the trip a point.

Common questions

What if getting out the door takes an hour?

Walk the steps in the same order every time and put the shoes in the same place every night. Most door battles are really about the transition, and the schedule makes the leaving visible instead of sudden.

Can I make this in Spanish?

Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.

Do I need an account?

No. There is no signup and nothing you type is stored. Make it, print it, done.