Give Peace a Chance

I have new kitchen decor.  Can you spot it?

It's not trendy or fancy, but I'm hoping it brings a little more peace into our lives.  It's a star chart, straight from the teacher store.

Sara has been struggling with following directions and talking back more and more lately -- not all the time, but enough to get me thinking.  After a poor report from school yesterday and a particularly frustrating morning today, I texted Steve mid-morning to let him know I thought it was time for a real system, rather than our usual routine of getting mad, raising our voices, and leaving the house upset with Sara, each other, and ourselves.  I have no illusions that this chart will completely reform our lives, but I have high hopes that the visual will help Sara; she definitely understands right from wrong and good from bad.

We worked on the chart tonight (Sara has started doing this curly-cue thing to her "S", and I'm not sure why), and talked about how Sara can earn stars.  It lists tasks such as wake up and get dressed without whining, follow directions the first time, bring your plate to the sink, eat your dinner and try new foods, be kind, and have a good day at school.  Rewards include iPad/computer time, a new book or new art supply, a trip to the park, donuts on Saturday, and - the grand poobah - a trip to Chuck E Cheese (that's worth 50 stars).  

Tonight Sara got three stars: one for a good day at school, one for eating her dinner, and one for bringing her plate to the sink.  At bedtime, she proceeded to throw three fits: one over heart candies, one over books, and one over a light in her room.  It might be a while before she's earning no whining and  follow directions the first time stars.  But hopefully we'll get there.  A system is a place to start, so we'll see how it goes.  Wish us luck!