We all want to start the New Year off right. We have talked about what we want from ourselves this year, but what about for our children? We want them to be successful this year, and I know there are some habits I would like to establish in Emily and Anna. Anna will be 2 in February, so right now we are working on coached cleaning,(I will write about that tomorrow), and listening when mommy says stop. Like, “Stop, do not run in the road!” 🙂 Emily is five. She is working on tying her shoes, listening the first time, and doing tasks alone (like making her bed, etc.)
I have often given rewards to my children. Emily loves doing a behavior/chore chart. Every time she gets a sticker for not talking back all morning, or making her bed on her own, it is a small reward just to put the sticker on the chart. She can see how well she is doing, as can mommy and daddy.
We have decided to give big rewards for filling the chart. For example, Emily did not get the “baby alive” doll that was so hot at Christmas, because well you could not find them, and I was not paying twice the price on ebay for a doll that poops. To me it is right up there with Poop Scoopin Barbie (Yes, they exist.) But I digress. Her cousin DID get one. ( My lovely sister, note the sarcasm, called every store in Atlanta, and drove across town to get the LAST ONE!) So to avoid too much disappointment we told Emily if she can go two months filling her charts, then we will buy her this doll. I have even considered buying it and sticking it on top of the refrigerator as an incentive, but I think it would simply drive us both bat-crazy. So instead I have decided to put a picture of the doll beside the chore chart. Visualizing a goal is just as important for a child as it is for an adult.
The first step to establishing goals with your children is talk with them about what they and you would like to see happen this year. Second, write them out. If they are older have them write out the list, if not help them write it. Third, create a chart for them so they can see their progress. Think if you establish the habit in them to set goals and accomplish them, how far that will take them. The possibilities are endless!
Because of my perfectionism I hate creating a chart, it is never pretty or good enough. I found this site online, Dltk-cards. They offer FREE customizable charts. You can create certificates, and awards as well; then just print them off your computer. They have princess characters, spongebob, veggietales, all kinds of great stuff to decorate it with. You can give them rewards and certificates for “1 night of watching anything you want to watch on t.v./ No adult shows”, or “this certificate is good for one movie and popcorn”, “For good behavior you are awarded one extra hour of bed time”. Get creative, kids can be rewarded without toys, if this is your concern. The point is to help them establish good habits, even a habit of setting and fulfilling goals!
Great post! Thank you for sharing the ideas. I am working on a sticker reward system to get us back on track with bedtime with my 4 1/2 year old. The holidays got us way off track!
I am also thinking of a chores chart.
Thanks again!
p.s. Caitlin got a “Dora Knows Your Name” doll from her grandmother and it is a BIG hit, although I had to turn her off earlier this week for talking too much. 😉
That is good. However, I have a three year old son and a two year old daughter. With my son asking him what he would like to happen for this year would be a tough question. So, I would like to start making a list of what I would like like them to accomplish this year. Maybe writing the list for them and then establishing a chart for them would be great. I really like that. I will go and visit that website and downloads charts. This is so exciting. Because I do believe if we start now in establishing writing down goals they will go far with them in the near furture.
Great post! Good ideas! We are working on being grateful for what we have this year. I am in the process of starting a a family gratitude chart. Each person in the family that is old enough to speak is to add something to the chart in the morning at breakfast and in the evening before bed. If we are able to keep it up….I plan to log all the pages then bind them somehow for Thanksgiving to display. A new family tradition. Just what I have been looking for. Have a great day.
Great ideas! It’s always important to reward for good behavior! Love love love your blog by the way!
Ang~ that was a great post! Even though I have no children, I believe this is a great idea to implement the importance of responsiblity. I believe this idea could also work well in a classroom.
This is a great post! Thanks for linking to it from my column!