This is a request from a Facebook friend who has a ‘terrible 2’ to deal with.
I have always advised parents to reward any good wanted behaviour and ignore the unwanted.
I used a reward chart for my son for both managing his behaviour and for helping with potty training. Potty training tips here.
There are many reward charts available to buy or download from the internet.
I made my own; as my son was ‘really into’ Thomas the tank engine and Postman Pat I made the reward chart on these themes. I bought some character stickers and explained to my boy that when he was good he would be able to put a sticker on his chart before going to bed. I also told him that if he managed to get 5 stickers in a row he would also get a small reward ( a matchbox toy car).
Supernanny, Jo Frost, uses similar methods for managing behaviour: I have seen her use a jar for putting in ( or taking away) marbles and a flower pot for using artificial flowers as reward tokens, once she even made a race track complete with a cardboard car with a picture of the child in and used velcro to move the car up and down the track – depending on the behaviour.
I would suggest that you talk to your child about how many rewards he needs to get before receiving a larger benefit; make it achievable otherwise he may just give up on the whole idea. If you child reaches the target give a small gift or a treat such as a day out together , don’t be tempted to give money as this could make your child behave for the wrong reason. in my opinion.
Other behaviour management tips here.
Tailor rewards to suit individual children and remember to also give verbal praise for the slightest improvement.
I only wish that I had had the knowledge I have now when my children were growing up!
As always questions and comments are welcome and please share on social media if you think others would benefit from reading any of my posts.
Until next time.
Karen
x
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My daughter’s class uses rewards charts as a group for the class to earn things like pizza parties. I enjoy how many different ways there are to do them. #alittlebitofeverything
Some really helpful advice here Karen , I am sure your Facebook friend will find them useful.
Reward charts or similar are a great idea. They work really well as long as the reward is obtainable as you say – don’t make it too hard! I’m not sure I like the idea od taking marbles away for bad behaviour, might be counter productive #KCACOLS
My daughter is 2.5yo and we don’t have a reward chart, but perhaps it is something we need to bring into the home. I wouldn’t say she is particularly naughty, but she is a fussy eater and I could see it helping with potty training. Thanks for the tips! #KCACOLS
Complete understanding by children and cocnsitency of approach and achievable targets has to being a winning recipe #KCACOLS
Kids go nuts for stickers! I’ve always found reward charts work well when they are targetted at a specific aim, ie getting dressed by yourself, rather than ‘being good’.
That’s definitely another way of using reward charts, thanks for stopping by
Oops #KCACOLS
I think rewarding wanted behaviour and ignoring unwanted is definitely a good way to go. My little one loves a sticker. I used a Peppa pig reward chart when we first started potty training, it was great for number 1’s but hasn’t had the same effect for number 2’s which we’re still working on. #StayClassyMama
I have written a post on number 2,s if that helps
I used to use reward charts for both my kids and they worked well. I think I need to reintroduce one for my 10-year-old boy again! #StayClassyMama
I used reward charts for my daughter when she was younger, as I teen I am so convinced to use them again sometimes lol! I think, used in the right way they can really help #kcacols
This is a great idea. We’ve used reward charts in the past too and they can work wonders if you stick at them. I like the idea of making your own – it adds something a little extra special to the whole idea. Thank you for joining us for the #DreamTeamLinky xx
Who doesn’t love a sticker? And praise. Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
Reward charts are a big in our house they are a great way for behaviour. Stickers are always fun. Thank you for linking up with us for #kcacols and we hope to see you next time
Some useful advice here, the reality is I failed to keep up with the rewards and didn’t find them too effective, thanks for linking up with #pocolo hope to see you back later this week
We have had mixed results with reward charts but with a threenager who still sleeps in our bed & a new baby due we could really do with a sleep chart working! #KCACOLS
I used to find a sticker chart worked well for my girls with small rewards after a set number of stickers, particularly with potty training. #KidsandKreativity
My two respond really well to reward charts, and they do team points at school that they love so we are trying to incorporate that at home now as well. Thanks again for linking up at #KidsandKraetivity.