Star charts for good behavior

So, I'm struggling with my boys' behavior (as usual...lol). I was wondering at what age those star charts become effective. Let me just state that my boys are defiitely not "advanced" in terms of their age and development so what's appropriate for the average 3 year old (for example) is likely not going to work for them.

 

My ECFE class was just discussing this. THey said that they really do not understand reward charts until they are about 3 years old. Mine are just starting to get it.

 

Hi Alison - I tried star charts for potty training and they were useless with my two. good old fashioned bribes worked better (m&ms for going on the potty)
it's worth trying though - and if it doesn't work, move on to another tactic.

 

We did a reward chart for Sofia a couple weeks back for potty training. She totally got it (she was 3 yrs 1 month). I am now considering some kind of approach for behavior and chores. I want to motivate them, but want them to work hard enough so that they don't think it's too easy to earn a reward. I'm thinking of listing a few things I want them to accomplish each day and if they do them they get a star and if they get so many stars in one day then the earn a quarter or something. I'm still trying to work it out. I'd like the reward to be something other than a toy.

 

I really want to start doing this with my DD - she's older and can assume more personal responsibility now - things like picking out her clothes, dressing herself, making her bed, picking up her toys, brushing her teeth - anyone know a good site/link to a sample chart?

 

We started a chart for daily to do's at almost 3.5. Works like a charm but we never tried any earlier.

ETA: I also drew pictures next to the tasks since she cant read, she can still go down the list at night and check off what she did without our help.

 

I made a "sleep chart" for following sleep rules. Each time they followed the rules they earned a sticker. When they earned 5 stickers I took them out for a reward. A balloon, carousel ride, etc... It seemed to be enough motivation.

Laura

 

I just started a reward chart this morning for sleeping. If they stay in their bed all night, they get a sticker on their poster. I am hoping that they get it. Nolan keeps asking why he doesn't have a sticker and I reiterate that he has to sleep in his bed, not mommy and daddy's.

 

Love the ideas ladies!!! Thanks!

 

Thanks all. Sounds like 3 is about the right age.

 

I did one for potty training and they did love putting their stickers on their chart.

I am now considering a mega-chart for things like "going to bed without a fuss" and "cleaning up toys." I also wonder if anyone knows ... can I take away stickers (or whatever) for negative behaviors like "bossing mommy around" and "pulling your sister's hair" ?

We are in a rough patch right now? They are suddenly acting like wild animals.

 

QUOTE(marieber @ Mar 11 2008, 04:58 PM) [snapback]664004[/snapback]
I did one for potty training and they did love putting their stickers on their chart.

I am now considering a mega-chart for things like "going to bed without a fuss" and "cleaning up toys." I also wonder if anyone knows ... can I take away stickers (or whatever) for negative behaviors like "bossing mommy around" and "pulling your sister's hair" ?

We are in a rough patch right now? They are suddenly acting like wild animals.

I have seen Supernanny do things like that. She had marbles in a jar, and you earn a marble for good behavior, take one away for negative. I can't remember if X number of marbles coincided with a reward or not, I would guess it did.