I will admit I bribe my kids, but they really have to work for the reward. We have been trying to get our 4 year old to stay ( or even go up) at the front of the church for Sunday School programs. This year I was determined to get him to stay up there. Here is how the bribe end of it worked: First I told him I would make him his own chart, that caused some excitement in his eyes. He would use Lightening McQueen stickers on this chart, even more excitement. The next part caused the "deer in the headlight " look, he would have to go to every practice , stand up on stage and try on and change costumes when told all without crying. This would total 10 stickers on his chart. Tears started to form. Then came pure genius on my part, I found his currency( see Dr. Phil for the explanation of this term). If he got all 10 stickers he would get a trip to McDonald's ( again some excitement in his eyes) alone with Daddy( total excitement). the deal was set, so as the first practice started he kept saying," I won't cry Mommy, how many stickers do I get after today?". I would reply"2 stickers after today" . "Yes" was his reply kind of under his breath. To clinch the deal I went to McDonald's and bought a gift card for him that he would use on the day he went with Daddy. He would see that card and ask, "How many more stickers do I need?" The one "sticker" I was worried about was the actual performance, that he would see all the people and get stage fright. I was going to bring along the card and hold it up during the performance , but I did not need it. Yes he stood there, even cracked a smile once in a blue moon. I had no hope of him doing the actions, after all that would just be asking to much of him. Then all of a sudden during one song half way through he started to do some actions! Trevor and I looked at each other in amazement. When he was done the first thing he said to me was , " I did it, I got all my stickers!" I was so proud, this was a huge step for our family.
Now we'll see how things go for Playschool Christmas program on Thursday.
The little Angel
After a costume change
The 2 and 3 year olds waiting for their Performance
Our other little Angel
1 comment:
Fantastic plan! He did a great job.
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