Elden will turn three in November and his behavior is getting better each day. Believe me or not, terrible two is over! Whew! Either that or the Reward Chart is working pretty well for him. For this month, I have a superhero theme (oh boys!) Reward Chart. Close to end of September and he is getting most of his reward stickers everyday. My criteria of reward stickers are like ‘No Whining, Listens, Independent and Brushing Teeth.

I would expect him to be independent in the sense that he takes the things that he wants on his own. I couldn’t attend to him if I’m like halfway baking in the kitchen and he calls out ‘Mummy, can you take my red toy car for me?’ Sorry, Elden. Try to find it own your own – that would be my firm answer. In reward, he will get his ‘Independent Boy’ sticker at the end of the day.

What’s about brushing teeth? This reminds me (probably a year ago) when we wasn’t tune to brushing his teeth twice a day. Every teeth brushing session is like a toothache (for me!).  However, over time and consistency, Elden is now able to proceed to brush his teeth without much struggle. Trust me, the reward chart works!

As for ‘No Whining’ reward stickers, it works when in reminding him when he is just about to whine. We have to understand that as parents, kids of this age are ‘prone’ to be whinny. We just have to see this as passing phase. What really helps is that we give reward stickers if they are not whinny for the day. It is also truly flattering for them too!

Finally, my true weapon for achieving good behavior is the ‘Listen’ stickers. This is criteria is truly useful because for children of their age, they are always learning to explore. While learning, they may not know the reality of the real world. For instance, if kids picks up a sweet wrapper sees if they are lucky enough to find a sweet overleaf, you may instantly react by ‘Throw it away, it dirty!’ You may unconsciously snatch from him and dump it right away.  Chances are, he will start to cry because he hasn’t got a chance to get rid of it himself or probably taken a back because you raised your voice. What about a different reaction like ‘Someone left the wrapper here after taking the sweet. Do not pick it because it is dirty. Good boy for listening and mummy will give you reward stickers tonight. ‘

Just remember that kids behavior are often the reaction of our actions and examples. Happy Parents will raise Happy Child!