Easy and fun discipline?! Yes, really.

By Rhonda Gail, on 08.10.10

Now, no discipline method works for every kid and my kids are so well-behaved that I rarely have to do anything other than correct them. However, my 4-year-old is not perfect and is prone to whining in an attempt to get his way. When I saw a blog post about paper behavior charts (well, was going to link to the source here, but i’ve lost it. if this is yours, please tell me!), I was inspired to create one.

I realized that I had more colorful fabric than paper, so I made my own version with stuff I had around the house. Love a free craft project, especially when it works to help discipline my kids!

I know, my art skills are astounding.

Anyway, the way it works is this: Nick (or Bob, as he prefers to be called) starts the day with his clothespin on the brown square. Each time he does a favor for me or something nice for someone, he moves up a spot (this does not include his normal chores that are required of him). Each time he breaks a house rule or does something he was warned not to do, he moves down a spot (there are some offenses that send him straight to time out, such as hitting or blatantly telling me “no!” which he does sometimes). At the end of the day, after his bath and before bed, if he has reached the top square, he gets a treat (candy, small trinket, or an activity of some kind). If he has reached the bottom, he gets either a toy or a privilege taken away.

Yesterday was our first time to try this and it worked GREAT. He did everything I asked of him without batting an eyelash and as a result, gets to spend a few days with Grammy!

What is the reward/punishment system in your home? Do you use the same method with each child?