Pimples and acne

Create a visual schedule for your child using pictures to help them remember the steps of washing their face. See the resource list below for printable cards you can use to create a visual schedule.
Use a social story to normalise pimples and show them why it is important to take care of their skin. The resource list below contains example social stories you can use with your child.

Backwards chaining is a good technique for teaching your child new practical skills. It involves breaking the skill into steps. At first, you do most of the steps and ask your child to complete the last step. For example, when teaching your child to wash their face you can:

• Run the water for them
• Help them wet their hands
• Help them wet their face with their hands
• Help them wash their face with cleanser
• Help them wash off the cleanser with water
• Ask them to dry their face

Once they have mastered the final step you can ask them to do the second last step and then third last and so on.

Modelling is a powerful way of teaching your child new skills. Show your child how you wash your face and have them assist you where possible.