Halloween and In Between

2008-10-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

Its nearly hear! Halloween! But more shocking. Why is the Christmas stuff in the stores? I nearly killed myself over induldging on mince pies today! I will say that bribing the children.....uhhhm, I mean REWARDING them is sometimes easier around the holidays because of all the nice things that are around, but my waistline is not thanking me!

Today the kids got to hang Halloween decorations for being good and getting changed out of their school clothes without major incident, meltdown and trauma. They have been told that they will be rewarded with trick-or-treating in a few weeks if they are very good and stay in their own beds at night. (more of a reward for me!)

TRICK or TREAT?

The Joy of It All

2008-08-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

Being a mother is like being pecked to death by a bunch of chickens.

All The Buzz About Reward Charts!

2008-08-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

Why does every nanny, psychiatrist and TV personality suggest using Reward Charts? Because it is one of the easiest, proven ways to encourage improved behaviour. So if you have been considering using a Reward Chart with your children, but weren’t too sure about how to go about it; read on.

Before you Start

Define the behaviour you want to improve/change.
Define the goal.
Decide how you will measure improvement/change.
Agree upon a reward.
Buy or make an appropriate Reward Chart for tracking progress.

Top Tips for Success with Reward Charts

Get parents, grandparents, older siblings and minders on board with your plan.
Don’t offer rewards during bad behaviour, it gives the wrong idea.
Define the behaviour you are encouraging and be specific about they have to do to earn a mark towards earning the reward.
Make sure the goal is attainable. Example: Expecting a young child to taste something new for dinner, finish their plate and sit quietly is unlikely. Tasting a new food, even if they spit it out should be worthy of a reward.
Put the reward chart in a location near where the behaviour takes place, and track progress with ticks or stickers.
Always try to reward as soon as possible and never take away a mark that has been earned.
Make sure the end reward is something the child considers valuable. This does not mean it has to be expensive and often includes time alone with a parent. Young children don’t always look for a bigger reward and are often happy with just earning a sticker for their Reward Chart.
Don’t tackle your biggest behavioural issue first. Try a reward chart with something else first and let them experience success so they want to have it again.
Adjust the goal if needed. Example: If your child absolutely refuses to taste a vegetable, try letting them chew it and spit it out, lick it or even smell it for a mark towards earning their reward.
Always finish a reward chart, allowing them to earn the end reward. If you don’t they won’t be enthused to use a Reward Chart the next time.

Things to Consider if its not Working

Your child may be too young and not yet grasp the idea of rewards. Wait a few months and try again.
The reward(s) may be too small or not have value to the child.
Other adults or children may be exhibiting the same behaviour in front of your child that you are trying to change (i.e. swearing, not eating vegetables).
Some behaviours may need to be dealt with by a professional, as they can be tied into feelings a child may have due to individual situations or circumstances.
By Lisa O Duinn – Author of ‘Toddler Reward Charts’, a book of 8 reward charts for children. Available at pollywogkids.com.

Pollywog Momma

Halloween and In Between

The Joy of It All

All The Buzz About Reward Charts!