Stars

While I am definitely not a star chart person, P most definitely is. I really needed to implement SOMETHING to help him strive for positive rewards he could see and feel. Warm hugs and kisses just don't do it for him. Like his brothers and sisters before him, negative stimulants don't bother him much either to deter him from wrongdoing. What was I going to do? I had no place to hang a poster and I really hate the kids comparing each other's performances. The good still remain good while the ones who are struggling feel like they will never measure up.

I always carry around a little 5 1/2 by 8" black notebook that I call my brain. It is handy even if I am nursing a baby and not able to type I can always jot a note down. A grocery list, a to-do list, thoughts or little moments I don't want to forget, a quote from a book or a bible verse to remember all make their way into my notebook. It is used for keeping up with school things as well as helping me to keep track of the children's needs to be addressed in academics, diet even clothing sizes. If I need to remember something it is in the notebook.

So, Monday I started with a simple page with P's name at the top. When I saw him doing something good, I drew a star and wrote down the good deed. I explained to him that each star is worth 10 cents. He's started awareness of money and enjoys keeping a sort of bank. Now was the time to "capitalize" on this new found knowledge. He earned a few stars and felt very proud. Then I explained that I can take stars away for bad behavior as well. Some actions are worth several stars. The other children followed and have their own pages, but it isn't available for them to compare each other. At the end of the day I pay up.

I love how simple this is and the fact that it is really effective....for some. It is well worth the money in how they are behaving this week!! Unfortunately, little C cares nothing for stars or money! :-)