Ch, Ch, Changes
Every once in a while Nick and I like to mix it up when it comes to the boys’ star charts. We’ve been using these for over a year now (along with the popular Kid of the Day program) and when you use something that long you need to work to keep things fresh. Every 6 months or so we notice the boys have either a.) mastered something we wanted them to work on or b.) have become so complacent that they no longer care if they get a star or not. Sometimes it’s a little of both.
A couple of weeks ago we decided it was time for a change and I pitched the idea to Nick of adding in some actual chores. They’ve had “picking up toys” on their charts since we started, but they’ve become complacent and to be fair there are many nights they don’t really have toys to pick up because they’ve been playing outside or we haven’t been home much that day.
Here’s what the charts look like now…
For those that can’t read Nick’s hieroglyphics, here’s what they can earn stars for…
Listening and obeying in public
Not having a time out all day
Staying in bed at night (I think this one will go bye-bye soon, because they’re doing awesome with this, even though we moved bedtime up 30 minutes)
Picking up their toys at night
Putting their dishes in the dishwasher or sink after all three meals
Putting their clothes either back in the drawers or in the hamper
Making their bed
Being ready for school on time, without us having to nag them
Things are going pretty well with the new items. We’ve even had some very close to 40 star weeks (40 earns them an extra special prize). They were excited about the chores they could do and I love, love, love to look into their room and see how they’ve made their beds…
Almost looks like Ty is still in his bed! And Chase and Jackson’s sheets are on top of their comforters, but at least they tried.
Yep, good effort boys! At least the blankets are on the bed instead of on the floor.
What about you? Is it time for a change in your home? Time to challenge your kiddos with a new skill/behavior?
Note: I found those charts at Target over a year ago, but they can also be found on the company’s website, here: http://www.boarddudesdirect.com/chchmadryerb.html
Also, you can read other posts about our star charts here and here. (And on that last link you’ll notice we removed the “staying in bed” line back in January, but then we had to put it back shortly after Lily was born because of the backsliding.)
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