Bedtime is never really easy around here. Our three girls share a room and there is usually lots of giggling and games before they finally hit the hay. But throw in a couple weeks of total unstructured vacation style bedtime and it's really tough to get them to sleep....especially this one.
She gives us quite the run for our money in the evenings. It's almost like a switch gets turned on to full throttle and she's ready for take off. So after all the warnings I could muster last night I finally from the mommy tool kit pulled out...."well if you don't go to bed tonight you can't get a star in the morning!" Ummmm....we aren't currently using any type of chart system so she was completely stunned and intrigued by this "star" she could earn in the morning. She promptly went to sleep and the first words she uttered this morning..."can I have my star now?" Thankfully I had taken the time to google some free printables and found a darling little chart perfect for her and Josie. There's just some space for stars without the pressure of having to list the chores and behaviors but rather leaving it open for reward when we see fit. As you can see she earned quite a few "stars" already.
I think she must have asked me 26 times today if I had any chores for her to do. She folded laundry with me, changed sheets, put toys away, helped me clean the kitchen, got the mail and jumped at any chance to help. It was really sweet and guess what? She's already earned her first star for tomorrow...it was another smooth bedtime. And I almost forgot the best part...for now she is thrilled with just earning stars. She hasn't asked what she gets for them. Of course we will find some type of fun activity to reward her with but I love that the star is enough right now! Chart can be found here (there's one for boys too).
7 comments:
Thats funny!! I love how they will do anything for a star.
We should totally meet up for a run. That is actually a goal of mine for 2011 is to start running with Eliza more. I don't think I will be training for a full marathon but a half yes. It just takes so much time. I will be praying for your knee... I know its no fun at all.
I am so using those charts!!! You always find the cutest things!!
How do you have the girls set up in their room. We are trying to figure ours out when we get home with the babies from Africa. Do you have the beds next to each other? Just looking for ideas. I am a follower of your blog. You have a beautiful family.
Jill
www.campfunk.blogspot.com
funk50@charter.net
How do you have the girls set up in their room. We are trying to figure ours out when we get home with the babies from Africa. Do you have the beds next to each other? Just looking for ideas. I am a follower of your blog. You have a beautiful family.
Jill
www.campfunk.blogspot.com
funk50@charter.net
Is there a chart for husbands?? Just kidding--but what a great way to motive your kids. I agree, I think it is great that right now the star is enough.
Love the stars!! I have got to try this with my kids! I think it would work great!!
Thank you thank you thank you for sharing these charts. They're just what I've been looking for. And I found other cute ones on her blog. What an amazing turn-around for your little one in just one night...all for a star! I hope for such success.
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