1st day of School

Today was Olivia's first day in 1st Grade!  I am still not quite sure where the time has gone and how it is possible that my little girl is so grown up.

She was beyond excited this morning to go to school!  Up by 7:30 and by 8:00 was already asking to go out and wait for the bus.  Since it was raining we drove up to the street and sat in the car waiting and waiting...the bus was over 40 minutes late, and at one point she asked me if maybe they had forgotten to pick her up.   I hope she is always this eager to go to school.

Gotta love that smile <3

I am excited for her and am praying that she has a wonderful year!

Behavior, Chore and Potty Charts

Behavior charts are a wonderful way to get children motivated and helping them change their negative behavior.  I have been on the search the last few weeks for charts which we can implement with each one of the kids, but couldn’t really find anything that fit our exact needs.

For Olivia, I really wanted a chart that helped her work on a few of her “negative” behaviors, like the constant screaming when we brush her hair, not sharing with her brother, etc, but at the same time introduce a few easy and fun chores that will help her earn positive feedback quickly and keep her interested and motivated.

For Tyler, currently our biggest struggles with him are his hitting and the fact that he has absolutely no interest in getting potty trained.  I also want to introduce him to a few fun and quick easy chores, again easy things to keep him motivated.

Since it is impossible to find just the “perfect” chart out there I decided last night to make a list of items for each kids and make my own.  Both kids are excited about the charts and of course we sweetened the deal with a few rewards.  For every item on their chart that is completed each day, they will receive a small item at the end of the week. 

We will hang the charts on their very own special frame in our kitchen and they will be in charge of putting their stickers on them when they complete a chore or are rewarded for good behavior.

Olivia’s Chart:

Tyler’s Chart:

Our goal is to try the charts out for an entire month and than evaluate their progress and whether or not we will continue to use.  I have read and also heard from several people that this method doesn’t always work.  We just need to be consistent!  Wish us luck :)