When they demonstrate the targeted behavior, then they get a star on the line. When they fill up the line they get to pick a prize. (Can you tell I was a psychologist in a previous life?) The day we started these charts we discussed what the chart was about and how to earn prizes. I took them to the toy aisle in Walgreens and let them pick out their prizes which made them all the more excited for the process. When we got home I put the prizes on the fireplace mantle so that they were constantly reminded of what they are working for.
The first day you have to inundate them with praise. Find every instance of them demonstrating the appropriate behavior and make sure they get that star. This helps the kiddo buy into the whole process. They should definitely earn a prize that first day which both George and Clara did. As the days go on it should get a little harder to earn the sticker and subsequently the prize. Eventually this will taper off and the idea is the new behavior is now a part of habit.
It is amazing how quickly it changed their attitudes towards each other. I think that has been the biggest difference. They follow directions with less prompting or repeating the directive. The whining has also decreased. They've only filled up two lines so far so we still have work to do. The best part is that it has completely changed my outlook. Instead of getting bogged down in the redirections, frustrated with the bickering, and ignoring the whining, this forces me to focus on and find the positive. My attitude during the day is better which I know positively affects the kiddos.
We plan to continue this or some form of this when the baby arrives. I think it will help with any transition problems we may have and will also force John and I to focus on the positive behaviors our sweet three year olds are displaying. Overall its been a success!
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