Charmspring Offers a Visual Take on Your Kids Daily Routine

Kate Kirby

October 24, 2024

BY

Jennie Monness knows a thing or two about child development.

The co-founder of Union Square Play—a parenting community and playspace with locations in New York City and New Jersey—and a former early childhood teacher, Monness has spent decades educating and empowering parents all over the world.

Now, with her latest venture, Charmspring, the mom of two joins business partner  Steph Korey Goodwin (the co-founder of travel brand, Away) to introduce a new tool for families— the Springboard.

This customizable, visual schedule aims to help families create a smoother daily routine by offering tiles that represent tasks and activities like eating dinner and field trips, making everyday transitions easier for kids and parents alike.

“We’re moms to four kids six and under and were in search of a product to help them make sense of their day and understand their routine,” Monness tells Mini. “We realized that when our kids knew what to expect, they experienced the joy of looking forward and anticipating, instead of feeling blindsided and resistant. When we couldn’t find anything, we created DIY versions out of construction paper, crayons, and photos. We soon realized other parents were in search of a similar product, and partnered to create Charmspring!”

The dynamic duo worked with developmental psychologists to create products that will ultimately help young children navigate their world with confidence, support their development, and strengthen the parent-child relationship through shared, predictable interactions.

Using Charmspring

“Introducing and setting up the Springboard should be a collaborative process,” says Monness. “We always suggest parents invite their child to set up the board with them and talk about the tiles that are being added. It’s empowering for children to take ownership of their days and routines so we encourage parents to identify moments in the day when their child can choose what happens in the routine when appropriate: ‘We’re going to build your bedtime routine now. Would you like to put on pajamas or brush teeth first?’”

“We recommend placing the Springboard in a room that feels like your child’s domain— most likely in their bedroom, or maybe a playroom. The exact location of the board depends on your child’s age. If you have a kindergartner, we’d suggest placing it at their eye level so they can access the board independently. I introduced my girls to the Springboard by unboxing it with them and showing how each board already had their name on it which got them excited to build their own,” she tells Mini. “We sorted the activity tiles into categories—morning, night, school days, weekends—and created their schedules together. The best part is the conversations that happen while using it. Including them from the start made the Springboard feel like a source of accomplishment and connection. Now, they either use it proudly on their own or look forward to spending time with me.”

CHARMSPRING

Toddler Starter Pack

Avoiding Meltdowns

“When children are aware of what to expect throughout their day, transitions become smoother and they tend to resist less. By removing the surprise factor, like suddenly announcing, ‘Time for bath!,’ they’re less likely to have meltdowns because they feel more prepared for what’s coming next. Knowing their schedule in advance also gives them time to mentally prepare for transitions, whether it’s heading to the doctor or starting their bedtime routine.”

The Personal Benefits

“My girls really crave knowing what’s going on in their daily routine and love being involved in it. They thrive when they know what each day holds. The Springboard has not only helped them feel involved in their routine, but it’s also motivated them to start packing for the next day’s activities, which I didn’t expect! The Springboard has also made our morning and night routines run smoothly. In the morning, they’re more independent about getting ready— whether it’s brushing their teeth or packing their bags. At night, the routine is laid out for them, so there’s no need for nagging or rushing. It creates a calm structure that helps them stay on track and reduces any last minute stress.”

Starting Your Springboard

Mini readers should start with the School Age Starter Pack, recommended for children 3-12 years old. This Springboard comes with a weekly schedule that includes all 7 days of the week, activity tiles curated for your child’s age and activity tiles needed for morning and night routines. The Toddler Starter Pack is the best place to start for kids who are 1-2 years old. It makes the tough toddler transitions smoother and more enjoyable as it gives toddlers the structure they need while also helping them feel a sense of independence. Toddlers really crave feeling autonomous, but also need a framework to follow. The Toddler Starter Pack helps with this because toddlers can feel part of the process as they make appropriate choices and build out their schedules with you.”

CHARMSPRING

School Age Starter Pack

What’s Next

“We are so excited for all that’s to come. We wanted to launch a product that the whole family can use and enjoy— something that’s educational, practical, and beautiful all at once. For us, it’s all about creating ways to bring more ease and connection into everyday life as a family.”

This article appeared in the Fall 2024 Issue of Mini Magazine.

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