Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your Board

(and Actually Use It Every Day)

Getting your Fern Family Co. board in the mail is exciting—but then what? If you’re feeling that mix of hope and hesitation, you’re not alone. This guide will help you go from "It's here!" to "It's working for us!" in just a few simple steps.

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Unbox + Place It

Your board arrives ready to go—no lamination, Velcro, or prep work required. Just unwrap it and decide where it belongs.

📍 Suggested Spots:

  • Magnetic: On the fridge, low enough for your child to reach
  • Wall-mounted: In a hallway, bedroom, kitchen, or learning nook

Clings stick to any smooth surface (acrylic, whiteboard, mirror, glass). Try to pick a place your child sees often and can interact with easily.

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Add Your Clings

Let your child help choose which clings go on first. Ownership makes a huge difference in buy-in.

  • Start small: just a few clings to avoid overwhelm
  • Organize by section if using a Daily or Balanced board
  • For routine-based boards, lay out the day in order (left to right or top to bottom)
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Introduce It

Don’t over-explain. Just say something simple like:
"This board helps us remember what’s happening today. Want to help me set it up?"

Tips:

  • Do a walk-through together (“First we do this, then we do this…”)
  • Let them move a cling when a task is done
  • Keep it visual—don’t turn it into a lecture
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Reset Daily or Weekly

Resetting is part of the rhythm. Kids love the fresh start and seeing the day or week clearly.

  • Daily boards: reset in the morning or the night before
  • Weekly boards: reset on Sunday or family meeting day
  • Use wet erase markers to add flexible notes or time blocks

"I love that the clings provide visual cues for my kids, especially my 5 year old son, as to what to expect for our day/week/month. I love that they are visually appealing and that they can be hung on the wall or on the fridge. Awesome products!"

- Kristen

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Stick With It (Even When They Ignore It)

It’s normal for kids to ignore the board some days. Keep using it consistently anyway. They’re still seeing it—even if they’re not acting like it.

Try this:

  • Let the board speak for you: “What’s next on your board?”
  • Keep it positive: no shame if they miss a step
  • Celebrate the wins when they check off even one thing

One of the biggest ways we stay consistent in our home is by using our board to guide screen time. Our kids know that screens don’t turn on until the board is finished. No exceptions.

💡 Tip: Set clear expectations using the Routine or Balanced Board—make the bed, brush teeth, get dressed, complete tasks—then let the fun begin.

✔ Trick: The required clings may change depending on the day, but the rule stays the same: screen time is earned after the board is finished.

You’re Doing It Right

If your board is on the wall and you’re showing up to use it—even a little—you’re doing it right. These tools are designed to reduce stress, not add more. Start simple. Adjust as you go.

Need help choosing a board?

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