Not the TV show, as much as I do enjoy a good Law and Order SVU episode now and again - but rather, how we handle certain situations around the house. We put heads together and came up with a wonderful adaption of the old "star charts" from way back in elementary school.
The rules basically narrow down to an evil plan to bribe them to do things we want in order to get sticker stars. For the most part, it was a way to get Natalie to brush her teeth (using toothpaste too), to drink water in a sippy cup instead of juice at bedtime, do well on her schoolwork, to help clean up toys and be our little helper.
Aidan's chart is mostly for brushing his teeth. He'll also be getting stars for dressing himself (or for now, at least doing most of the "grunt" work), and I want to think about maybe adapting it for his future potty training.
So far, Aidan has 5, Natalie has 6 - the picture is a little old. (can you tell we have toddlers in the house? - big ol' carton of multi-colored goldfish!) Aidan has stars for brushing his teeth. Natalie has stars for brushing teeth, 100% on her schoolwork for the day (or at least corrected her errors after I looked worksheets over), being my little helper and dressing herself all by herself with no help from me whatsoever.
So far, the kids are only brushing their teeth with water (which is better than nothing, which is what they did before) - but I think they hate the taste of toothpaste. The bubble gum sparkly kids crap is just that - crap. Tastes like crap. Our toothpaste is really strong, so they hate that. I've been doing some looking up on the internet and I think a fruity flavored toothpaste would be good. There is Tom's of Maine Outrageous Orange Mango, Silly Strawberry or the Orajel toddler training Fruit Splash toothpaste. The last choice would be best for Aidan, who likes to brush with Chris and I but doesn't really understand "spit it out" - Orange Mango, I think, would be best for Natalie because of the flavor - she is not much of a fruit punch or strawberry person.
I'll be updating you guys on how the star charts are filling up and any new developments with the teeth brushing stuff.
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2 comments:
I think that the star charts are a good idea. Giving them positive motivation is always productive.
I just can't believe that you're twenty-two and already have two children. I'm twenty and still live at home with my parents.
It's admirable that you've been able to start and sustain a family at such a young age.
What took you all the way from Massachusetts to Maryland?
Ah, 22 and have two 'step'children, they are my wonderful boyfriend's children :) And until pretty recently, I was 21 and living at home too.
Long story very short: Parents took the family to NY way back in the day. Boyfriend took me down to MD pretty recently.
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