Behavior

Now we all know that kids act out when their world changes, whether it be moving, a new baby, daycare, teacher, ect. In our home its Justin going to Alaska and other family related issues. He has been acting out since Justin left and has expressed "hating" Alaska because it take shim away from us. Now I tried punishment, time outs, corner time, ect. I even tried spanking (no judgment form you non spankers) none of it worked. I started taking classes in Love and Logic parenting and they make a big emphasis on rewarding positive behavior, so we came up with a sticker chart.

Now sticker charts are great for keeping track of things, whether it be chores or simply good behavior. Sam loses toys for bad behavior or not treating them properly and then has to earn them back with good behavior. It worked for awhile, but we needed something a little more tangable for him.

I got the idea while we were in the dollar store a few weeks ago. He kept asking for things, things I would normally get him, but after his HORID behavior the week up to that day it just wasn't happening, then I saw a package of play money. And thus behavior bucks were born. He earns very real rewards towards "buying" those dollar store goodies he so desperately wanted, including more fun art supplies.

Now we have a little store set up and he earns BB for good behavior at the doctors office, in the grocery store, in the car, ect, and for helping with chores around the house. He gets more for behavior than chores. And here is the important part, he gets fined for poor behavior. If he refuses to listen and time out isn't working he gets fined. Even worse (to him) is the fact that bad behavior makes it so the behavior store stays closed longer.

Don't be afraid to over price those dollar store toys either. He sure isn't getting them for a single BB, I made that paint set he wants 15 BB. For simplicity's sake all play dollars are worth 1 BB regardless of value printed on it. When he gets older, if this is still needed, it will become more complex.

All of this does more than just teach him to behave better. I am helping my 4 year old learn some economics, as well as consequences. Teaching him about not following rules resulting in monetary fines will help teach him to follow the rules of the road BEFORE that first speeding ticket.

Give it a try. I started all of this for under $20 and you can too. Let me know how it works for you!