sevendaymother.com

A little bribery goes a long way, especially if you need sleep. I use my kids star chart to monitor and reward their sleep but you can use a star chart for a variety of reasons. I have tried star charts and have gotten mixed results but now I have the secrets.  I want to share these with you so that you won’t have to go through the whole “trial and error” process as I did.

1. Location, location, location  Location is everything, your child needs to see the chart as often as possible in order for them to see their progress and strive to achieve their goal.  For us the back of the toilet door is by far the best location we have used…..while they are on the toilet they can’t help but to look at it.

2. Realistic Goals  You need to set realistic and attainable goals.  Children soon lose interest so you need to set short term goals as well as long term.  Our short term goal is sleeping through the night for 7 nights straight (allowing for toilet breaks)  and our long term goal is sleeping through the night for 30 nights straight.  I know it doesn’t sound long term but 30 days for a child IS long term.  They develop behaviour patterns quite quickly so in no time at all a true long term goal is achieved.

3. Correct Currency  Each child has their own currency, my oldest works hard to obtain $1 a week and my youngest would much rather a small toy - even though the value is the same.  That is their currency, money for one, toys for the other.  It may take a while to discover their individual currency but once you know it, results will soon follow.  Just make sure your rewards equal their progress….the long term goal deserves a larger reward.

4. Product Placement.  I have discovered that correct product placement can drive and encourage your child.  By placing my youngest child’s reward toys up high on a cupboard she was able to see what she was working towards. If she didn’t reach her goal then she could also see what she missed out on…..I found this technique a real success.  I could even use it on my oldest child even though her reward currency was money.  I simply showed her a nice shinny dollar coin, saying “this dollar has your name on it”.

5. Consistency.  You need to stick with it even if it doesn’t seem to be working.  It took us a whole month of crosses on the calender instead of stars but eventually they got hold of the system and they were off and racing.  In that first month we were tired and it just didn’t look as if the star chart was making an ounce of difference but I sure am glad we stuck with it.  You must also remember not to back down, if they didn’t deserve a star DON’T give it to them. They can kick and scream until they turn blue in the face but don’t back down…..you are the giver of the stars…..you are in control.

Well I hope this helps a few mums out there, a star chart may sound corny but used correctly it really works!

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