How to build a routine to wear AngelSense daily
April 3, 2019Guest Post by Kim, Isaak’s mom
Taking the time to establish a routine of wearing the AngelSense device is so worth it! My son is very “reward” motivated. He is seventeen years old but we still utilize stickers and reward charts, and this was very beneficial when we started using AngelSense.
Because my son is very “rule” and “reward” focused, we have been able to apply this approach to help him wear the device daily and take ownership of it. He now reminds me to put it on and gives me his pants at night so it can be charged because “his AngelSense helps keep him safe.”
While many parents have figured out their own way for their children to successfully wear AngelSense daily, in this article I am sharing my personal experience with the hope that it will help others.
Step 1: Introducing the device – Introduce the device with the sleeve on so the buttons or screen are out of view.
Tip: Begin at home where you can observe comfort level as well as give immediate praise or correction.
Step 2: Explaining the purpose of the device – Explain according to your child’s language and comprehension. Example; “This is your AngelSense, it is a tool that we will use to help keep you safe.”
Important points:
- It is your AngelSense- this helps children to go beyond compliance and take ownership,
- It is a tool – establish that it serves a specific purpose, this helps to differentiate the device from a toy,
- It helps keep you safe – give examples like seatbelts, helmets, etc.
Step 3: Show the timeline on the app – After an outing, explain how the device helps to keep you connected even when you are not physically there.
Tip: While in the timeline, click on a named location, such as their school or a relative’s house, and change map to satellite view, zoom in and view familiar place.
Step 4: Introducing the Reward Chart – The reward chart helps build a daily routine and provides a:
- Visual aid to help children see their progress and accomplishments
- Reminder of what is expected; and
- Motivator to continue reaching for those goals.
Tip: State the desired behavior in simple and positive terms – what to do, instead of what not to do.
Example: “AngelSense is still on or keep hands away from AngelSense (instead of do not take it off, or do not touch it).”
Tip: Start with a time frame that is attainable by your child then increase the time frame of wearing
Example: Begin with 10 min. periods 4 times the first day, increase to half an hour on the second day increasing incrementally until comfortably able to keep the device on for the time needed.
Step 5: Rewards – Use a layered approach to rewards.
Immediate: Sticker at the end of each time period
Intermediate: Create an exchange rate for the stickers at the end of the day based on the child’s interests (i.e. preferred activity, minutes of iPad, tv, etc., choosing from a “treasure box” of small trinkets)
End Reward: This would be a larger reward once the child has mastered wearing the device. The time for this reward would best be determined by monitoring the child’s
progress. ( ie. After 5 days of wearing comfortably without needing corrections or reminders)
Tip: Give positive feedback and encouragement; avoid taking away stickers that have been earned.
Important Points:
- If a child is trying to remove their device, redirect by giving an activity to keep their hands and minds focused on something else. Remind your child for what they are working toward.
- Be consistent with filling out the chart and providing the rewards (setting timers are very helpful).
- Involve your child as much as possible. Allow them to place stickers on the chart, include them in making a sticker exchange system, and guide them to bigger rewards for more stickers earned.
- Add wearing the device to your child’s morning routine. Setting reminders (Morning Wearing Reminder) in the app can be very helpful.
Wearing AngelSense daily is key to achieving the highest level of preventative safety. Most children get used to wearing the device fairly quickly. Following a gradual and consistent process to establish and maintain a daily routine, works!
Hear Isaak respond to his mom when they are getting ready to put on AngelSense
Download the AngelSense Reward Chart
*AngelSense has multiple wearing options, & accessories that are designed for sensory sensitivity. Tamper proof design ensures your child cannot remove or destroy the device.