By MAD21
For this weeks Works For Me Wednesday, I want to talk about charts. Ya-ya, I know. Every time you are having issues with your kids repeating undesirable behaviors, someone, somewhere says, "Well, make a chart...give them stickers." I have to say, I've worked with kids for a long time, and ...I really don't like doing them. That being said, I hate to admit, they usually work. I have my own kids now, and have pretty much avoided using charts until the last few months. I got really tired of 'going down the list' of all the things they were supposed to do everyday... everyday.
In our house, we have two charts. One is the "Responsibility Chart." This one is for both of our girls and it includes both the morning and evening routines. The other chart is the "Potty Chart" and this one is for our youngest daughter who is still having some issues with not wanting to use the toilet all the time.
For the Responsibility Chart, the idea is that once they have completed their task, they move their 'button.' I did this with them for a month to get them used to procedure and it went really well. So I decided to add weekly allowances to give them that much more incentive. Now, I should mention that I am also not a fan of paying kids an allowance for things they should already be doing as a responsible member of our family. However, when I realized it would be a good opportunity to teach them about money, both the actual money and the use of it, I decided that the teaching opportunity was more important. They each get five cents a day if they complete all of their tasks [love the age when a penny is still a valuable commodity]. And I withhold their allowance if they don't.
The Potty Chart is really easy. I created a chart with my daughter using colors and pictures from the computer that she liked. For one month we decided that for every time she got on the toilet with no accidents before-hand, that she would get to put a sticker on her chart for that day. When she got to five stickers she would get a special surprise (a piece of candy, special toy, etc.) and for every sticker after that, she got a penny to put in her piggy bank.
As much as I hate to admit it, kids really do love charts. Stickers, pictures, rewards, your attention... who wouldn't. I know they can be a lot of work for us, but if it gives you the desired outcome, it's totally worth it.
Two more important notes: As with most things, consistency is key. If you aren't consistent, it won't work. It's also important to set a time frame. If it's something that is long-term that helps them remember what they are supposed to do, it's no big deal. But for the things like behaviors or a task that needs finished, you may want to set an 'end date' so you can celebrate the accomplishment of completing the chart/reaching the goal.
Every Wednesday, fellow blogger Kristen at We are THAT Family posts clever ideas for getting things done. She calls it, "Works For Me Wednesday" or WFMW. Be sure to go visit her blog to read her post along with links to other blogs who are participating.