Bedtime Balloons is simple to use, but it takes some preparation to get your kids fully engaged with the app. Here are some steps for setting up Bedtime Balloons the first time.
1. Take your best guess
Before you involve the kids, set up a routine based on what your child needs to do for bedtime tonight. This first routine doesn’t have to be perfect — you can go back and change it later or set up more routines for other days.
2. Try it yourself
Step through the routine by yourself just to see how the app works. Check that the routine has the right tasks and is in the right order. Make any necessary adjustments.
Notice that the balloons get collected as you progress, and that you get to pop the balloons at the end as a treat. This is a helpful motivator for the kids.
3. Walk the kids through it
Now that you have a working routine, walk your kids through it.
- Show them how to follow the monkey’s lead.
- Show them how to click the big green check mark when they are done with a task.
- Point out the balloons getting popped if they fall behind the schedule.
- Show them how to pop their collected balloons at the end.
4. Turn the kids loose
Now that your kids are familiar with the app, they can try it on their own. You may need to step in and help a bit at first, but before long your kids should be able to handle the app on their own. If they’re like my kid, they’ll be speeding off to bed with a smile.