When to start a star chart ?

[linniewith2]

Hi Ive heard alot of you mention star charts, for good behaviour and rewards etc.

Can you tell me at what age you started the charts?

My dd1 is 2 and I would like to start one for rewarding good behaviour she is a total film & tv adict and would like her to earn the privalige(sp) of watching a dvd or if very good a new toy etc.

The tantrums have just started and she is a nightmare at bedtime would a chart be any good for these problems?

Any help would be gratefuly received

Try it! We just create our own (we do a 4x4 grid with a picture of a toy ds1 is saving up for - very simple and no need for complicated shop-bought charts). I have to say though, that for us they haven't really come into their own until now (ds1 is 3) - we have used them earlier, but at 2 the stickers were really the reward themselves.

DS1 was transformed at bedtime aged 2 with a sticker chart - so yes, it can work at this age.

BUT ds2 is 5.5 now, and he still doesn't really get the point of sticker charts! It really does depend on the child, and 2 is quite young to grasp the point.

I wouldn't worry too much about a 'reward' at this age though, she probably won't understand a delayed reward; but will be very pleased to have some good behaviour praised and rewarded with a sticker for all to see.

Make sure you make the targets achieveable, concise, and very specific:

e.g. If you brush your teeth nicely, I'll put a sticker on your chart.

or If you sit and watch this video nicely for 10 minutes whilst I make lunch then I'll give you a sticker.

HTH