WHAT A GREAT THING IT IS WHEN YOUR KIDS DO WHAT'S RIGHT!

So TELL THEM when they DO! If you have a BONUS MARK section on your CHART, you can give them that extra good mark on the spot for those times when they are just so good you can't believe it! AND- when you've been out with them,* and they behave well in public, you can also give them a good mark in this section of your chart when you return home.

Remember to make a chart - click on the BIG chart below!

* Get a Portable CARD, too!

"Good manners are the oil of human machinery" - Ruth Elliott

Who can resist a child with good manners! Let your child see a Shirley Temple movie - or the Freddie Bartholomew version of LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY - if you want them to see how cute they will be if they develop good manners. 'Please' and 'Thank You' are the beginnings. Make sure you NEVER give in to whining and only when they ask politely for something. Remind them if they are rude, "Oh, I am so sorry I cannot give you _____ right now. You did not ask politely. I can't give you a sticker, either." Later, if they ask appropriately, but it is something that isn't good for them right now (a cookie before dinner, or TV before bedtime, etc.) you can be very enthusiastic about their good manners, and say something like "I'm so proud of the way you asked me that! I can't give it to you now, but I will CERTAINLY give you a sticker for the way you asked me!" Then they will see that even when they don't get their own way they will still be rewarded in SOME way.

(to make a chart - click here!)

Ah, what a beautiful and pleasant thing it is for brethren to dwell together in harmony!  Learning those simple expressions, "Please, Thank you, and Excuse me", can make all the difference in how far a person can go in the world!

Thank you Candise for suggesting that we need to teach "the concepts behind rudeness, politeness and consideration"

My mother used to say it over and over again,

"If you don't have something NICE to say, Don't say anything at ALL!

What good advice!   I used to tell my kids to practice saying polite words even when they didn't feel like it- explaining that after they go through the motions, after a while they will FEEL the EMOTIONS!  How many people are needlessly offended every day by folks who use mean words! We tried so many things to keep the kids on track. NO CUSSING Allowed! Gave them a penalty of some kind if they said a bad word. One time we got a 'cuss box', put it on the table and said, "Every time you say a bad word, you have to put in a quarter and it will go to the poor people!"  Then my oldest son Jon, 8, who loved helping people said, "Should we cuss more so it will help the poor people?" After that we decided to just change the 'cuss' box into a 'give to the poor' box and be thankful for what we had. That worked for a while.  But don't you agree the best way to keep the kids from cussing is if the ADULTS in the family DON'T CUSS themselves? Then if the kids never hear it around them, it will hurt their ears when they do!

Thank you Candise for suggesting that we need this, too!

And Thank YOU, John, for adding to it with your great comments!

Being gentle is something that takes time for kids to learn. Overcoming jealousy and learning empathy need to be grown by being shown. Explain to the older one that the baby is just like they were when they were little: helpless and needing them to protect them. Just like I always do  with my animals so they will get along, I make every effort to show love to both at the same time when they are in the room together, being sensetive to the feelings of the older one, especially, since they seem to always feel 'left out' when a new baby comes along. Read more about how to transition a new baby into the house, coming soon! (If you need it right now, email me and I'll hurry it out to you!)

Thank you Julie for suggesting this one!

Any one with a new baby knows how hard it is to keep a baby asleep and the house quiet. When you already have older kids it's even harder!

Explain that baby needs sleep and we need to play quietly. Plus a picture to remind them of what a good thing it is when they comply makes it easier to get them to cooperate!

Thank you Julie for suggesting this one, too!

Put the toothpaste away, please? If we teach them this when they are little, maybe they won't still be leaving it out when they're adults!

Thank you Lynette for suggesting this one!

lts so nice when kids can get into GOOD habits - like putting their PJ's away! It's so much nicer than in a pile on the floor!

Thank you Lynette for suggesting this one, too!

No one want's to admit when they're wrong. And nine times out of ten, even if the other guy is wrong, we're a little wrong too, right?

I heard that the best way to end an argument is to APOLOGIZE!  What a novel idea! Gee, I think it just might work...    :)

Click on the picture to the left to read my little story called, "Welcome to the land of I'm Sorry"

Thanks for suggesting we needed this picture, Stephanie!

Cover your COUGHS and SNEEZES! Learning this one is IMPORTANT, especially when your kids go to daycare, or school where they will be bringing the germs home with them- to YOU!

What's THE SECRET of how doctors and politicians keep from getting other peoples' germs? HERE IT IS: Don't touch your face (eyes, ears, nose or mouth) unless you wash your hands FIRST. I used to get whatever bug my kids would bring home from kids at school untill I learned to follow this simple rule. It worked so well that I taught it to them. After that when I'd catch them picking their nose, I'd say, "You can pick your nose, but WASH YOUR HANDS FIRST! Then pick your nose, and WASH your hands AGAIN!" 

SPECIAL NOTE FROM LAURA (REMEMBER TO USE THE INSIDE ELBOW to COVER THE FACE!): Ruth, I love love love your website! ... the charts are awesome, the pics adorable ~ this is going to be a great tool in helping me with my 7 yr old … I did notice one quick thing I would change on the pics. On the pic for covering cough and sneeze ~ instead of the hands like we were taught as youngsters ~ it's really better to cover with the inside of the elbow.  Do you think you could revise one of your great pics to illustrate this?  Again, thanks so much for a wonderful site!

Thanks, Laura! I'll change the picture as quickly as I can. And in the meantime: Everyone take note: USE THE ELBOW!

THUMBSUCKING a problem? Learn one way to stop it that WORKED -

from MY MOM!

Thanks for suggesting this one, Rebecca !

Need a quieter house? Have a family meeting - about the noise - or whatever issue you want to address, and decide on what time of day YOU need a quiet time period when it most bothers you. If you let them all know how much you really need it, their love for you will no doubt win them over. Agreeing in advance on rewards and consequenses for NOT keeping the the quiet time is also important. Kids feel secure when they know what the rules are.

(to make a chart - click here!)

Tattling is something that demands some discussion. A lot of people find it's a problem, for the reason that most kids tattle to get someone in trouble. After they just learned to follow the rules, it's a natural thing for kids to notice others who don't follow them, and to pridefully 'squalk', that THEY are following the rules and THAT person isn't. Like gossiping out loud. It can also be from a need for security (Yes - kids love rules - because they feel safe if everyone is following them - and unsafe if some don't).   

But is there a time when it's OK to 'tell' and when it's not called' tattling'? YES! Let the kids know that telling and tattling ARE different - the distinction is in the MOTIVATION of the heart. Tattling aims to GET someone in trouble, and TELLING aims to protect someone from trouble. If you see someone who is being hurt (or threatening to hurt) themselves or another, we MUST tell.  That's NOT tattling.  Here's an outsidelink to what some say about tattling.

Thanks for suggesting this one, too, Stephanie!

Keeping your hands to yourself, or practicing patience - learning to wait, is part of mastering SELF CONTROL. Sure, when they are little, kids need plenty of opportunities to 'touch and feel' to learn about the world around them. But they also need to learn to respect other people's boundaries. You can use this image as a positive reinforcement for 'NO Whining or Hitting', as well! It's an important skill for getting along with others! Let your kid know you are watching, catch them when they are behaving themselves, and reward them for it!

Thank you Karen, for suggesting we needed an image for this!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Waiting is hard, isn't it? I hate it too! The only reason I'm an artist today is that I used every moment I was bored by getting my fidgeting out on paper. Give your kids something to do while they wait and it will be productive time - invested - not wasted! Always have a book or paper and pencil available. They may even learn a trade!
Thanks again, Kylie for suggesting this one!

The images can be used for other things, too. For instance, I used this one for Be a good Listener, too!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Getting dressed can be quite a challenge! Whether convincing them to get dressed in the first place, or helping them learn to do it themselves, it really pays to have a reward system in place so they know what's expected of them!
Many thanks to SHERRY for suggesting the idea we needed an image for "GETTING DRESSED without a FUSS"!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Getting the knack of putting your socks on is hard at first!  Help your youngster by showing him how. An easy way is to put your hand all the way inside the sock first, then sliding it down from the top of the sock till you can grab it in your hand.  Then stretch the mouth of the sock open, put your toes inside and pull it up over your foot!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Can your child get his own socks AND shoes on by himself? Fantastic, if they can! If they still can't, get shoes that are easy to put on and teach them how to put them on. When they are old enough, help them learn how to tie laces at this link.

(to make a chart - click here!)

Boots are tough to get on, especially if they have to go over shoes! They sure come in handy in inclement weather though!  If kids learn how to put them on themselves it sure helps to get out the door, doesn't it?

(to make a chart - click here!)

Back east, or anywhere where the weather gets really cold, you really need these! And if the kids can learn how to put them on themselves, it saves a ton of time. Start today!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Leaving an activity when you are right in the middle of something is always a hard thing to do. Usually I tried to give my kids a ten minute warning if I could (and reminded them again when there was 1 minute left so they would know playtime was almost over). But I had to give MYSELF a little warning to slow down so I could wait the ten minutes! Sometimes we just can't wait, though, and it makes things much easier when our kids just come when we ask! If they know they will get rewarded with a good mark or sticker when they cooperate, it makes it that much easier!
Thanks to SHERRY for also suggesting the idea we needed an image for "leaving an activity/school without a fuss"!
BY THE WAY - I'm thinking of using this image for 'watch the younger ones' or 'babysitting', too.  Do you have an idea? Please let me know if you think of another way of using any of the images! 

(to make a chart - click here!)

HANGING UP YOUR OWN COAT or sweater is an easy job even a toddler can learn - if the hook is low enough. It isn't too hard to arrange things in your house so your kids CAN help. And worth every bit! Whatever you do to teach them practical skills now will come back to bless you later!

Thank you Karen, for suggesting we needed an image for this!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Have you noticed kids LIKE RULES? That's because rules keep people safe.

SHARING or PLAYING NICELY is a great rule to follow, and a way to learn to care about others besides yourself. Make sure you make a big deal over it when your child is generous. Similarly, when they are selfish and greedy, make sure you let them know you disapprove. I always told my kids, "The best way to make a friend is to BE one!" After a while they will see that they 'Get more Flies With Honey than with Vinegar'! You can also use this picture for 'PLAYING SAFELY'. I used to say to my kids, "Remember - getting hurt is against the rules!"

Thanks to Mikayla for suggesting "Play with your brother"!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Research shows that ART opens the part of the brain that makes it receptive to math, science and spatial relationships! Creativity and imagination are important for the development of social skills, as well. Even Albert Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge." Leonardo DaVinci's advice to aspiring artists was, "Draw every day".

(Check out what EDU DESIGNS is doing for kids here- for FREE!)

(to make a chart - click here!)

Throwing away trash can be FUN - if you get a sticker on your chart when you do! My kids got so excited they went around trying to find more, and finally came up with a few fuzzballs, just to get one more sticker!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Your child picking up dirty clothes off the floor can save you (and your back) a lot of trouble. Remind them after EVERY bath or shower, and even say, "LOOK! I see a sticker you can earn - Right on the floor there!" (ALSO - See the section on Helping your child to CLEAN their ROOM)

(to make a chart - click here!)

What a JOY! To see your child's shoes put away! It only takes a consistent reminder for a while to develop into a habit of a lifetime. Every time you see those shoes on the floor, DON"T pick them up! Tell your child, "OH! I see a good mark you can get - Right there on the floor!"

(to make a chart - click here!)

What is the secret that Doctor's and politicians use so they won't get sick, even though they touch people who are ill and shake hands all day? It's not just WASHING HANDS - it's also this: NEVER TOUCH YOUR FACE - UNTIL you wash your hands first! Kids love to touch their face - but make sure they knows they MUST wash hands FIRST! It may take a while to teach them, but it can be done. And even if he does bring a bug home from school on occaision, YOU won't catch it too, if you follow the same proceedure.

(to make a chart - click here!)

It's been PROVEN that MUSIC increases BRAIN POWER!

Music may also help children with behavior problems, too, acording to Claudia M. Gold, MD, writing in Psychology Today. Quoting Berklee's Music Therapy Department Chair Dr. Suzanne Hanser, about a program fo music therapy for autism spectrum disorders, she shares:

"There is scientific evidence that music therapy influences children on the autism spectrum in several ways, like enhancing skills in communication, interpersonal relationships, self-regulation, coping strategies, stressmanagement, and focusing attention," and "… children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders are often overwhelmed by sensory input. It makes perfect sense to me that music would help them to organize their experience and engage with the world around them.”

I know music helps ME draw better, too.

Music can be difficult unless you have a schedule to practice every day, so put it on your chart to remind you.

(to make a chart - click here!)

We all know the value of Reading to a child's success in school, and in life. Stress the joy of reading, make it something you do with them every day, and not only will they earn stickers, but apride in themselves as they can excell in learning.

(to make a chart - click here!)

MATH helps your child's success in school, and in life, too! Practicing math CAN be fun! It's been shown that art actually improves your brain function and can raise your math scores, too. Check out EDU DESIGNS to learn more about it!

Thanks to the great moms for suggesting this one!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Make a game out of putting toys away, and suddenly it's not such a chore! If the toys are not breakable, they can even practice 'shots' into the toybox with them to see if they can make a goal! If they miss, they will still get a sticker when they go over and put it back the regular way.

(to make a chart - click here!)

Brushing Hair can be a real FIGHT, if the child won't do it and won't let YOU do it, either. I have a few photos of my first child looking like Don King before I learned how to teach her how to brush her own hair! Once they realize it really will get easier (and THEY will get a sticker) if they do it often, YOU can breathe a sigh of relief (and not panic when you go out into public with them again)! (TIP: While shampooing, try to wash and rinse the hair in one direction only, and always use a conditioner to avoid mussing the hair as much as possible. It will really help with de-tangling, and help to end the pain! When brushing, start at the bottom tips of the hair first, gradually working your way up to the top of their head to avoid the 'ouch'.) Give them the job of brushing their own hair after it is already de-tangled at first, until they have learned how to do that themselves easily.

(to make a chart - click here!)

How can you get your child to eat vegetables? Show them how much fun they are to eat, as well as earning them a sticker! Tell them that they will know when they are grown up when they start liking vegetables! It also helps if you prepare them well. But even Frozen vegetables are tasty! When my daughter bumped her head one day, I went to the freezer and got a bag of peas to put on the bump. (It conforms to the shape of whatever 'owie' you may have!) She became bored and began eating the peas. Frozen peas are very tasty on a hot day! Nadia sent in an idea to use this one to mean "Eat all your dinner",too!Great Idea, Nadia!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Even a very young child can learn to brush his own teeth - (if not perfectly, he can TRY) - and when he gets a sticker for it will just make it even better! We just need to remember to remind them! My mother would always require us to brush before going to bed and it became a habit. Now I brush 2-3 times a day because I like the way it feels to have clean teeth. Remember the old saying, "TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO, AND WHEN HE IS OLD HE WILL NOT DEPART FROM IT!"

(to make a chart - click here!)

It's usually a fun thing to take a bath, but once in a while it takes the reward of a sticker to pull them away from activities and 'jump in'. When my kids took their bath before bedtime I found it relaxed them and gave them the idea that the day is now 'winding down'. I would stay close by, and be ready to help, watch, teach and instruct as they would remember to not just play, but wash!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Many times kids are having so much fun they 'forget' they have to go until it's too late! "Trying on the Potty" can be a reward for kids to remember to go! Many thanks to Adeah for suggesting this one! She wrote, "Thank you for the resources on your website! I have been looking everywhere for a behavior chart my 3 year old can read! Lovely pictures! I would like to suggest "Trying on the Potty" we are rewarding our daughter with praise for trying on the potty. Thank you again!
Cheers, Adeah!

Remember my Potty Training Page? Click here for Tips!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Getting your Pajamas on might seem easy for YOU, but to a little kid it can be a major accomplishment! If it's something you (and they) struggle with, use this image on your good mark chart for positive reinforcement!

(to make a chart - click here!)

BEDTIME can be hard for Moms (or Dads) AND their kids. Just when you think the day is over, If not properly handled, it can turn into a nightmare! You can't just say, "go to bed" and expect them to obey, unless you set up a routine! You need to have a transition time, before bed, to make things smoother. By making and following a PLAN consistently, these tips can help. Many others have good ideas, too! Let me know if you find some techniques that work for you! FOR INSTANCE: (My daughter-in- law shared an excellent book with me, that I wish I had known about when my kids were little - see TODAYS TIP in the yellow section to the right for info on that!) I was not always successful in getting the kids to bed quickly. With my 7 kids, sometimes it took me 30 minutes just to say prayers and kiss them all goodnight! However here are some things that did work to make bedtime a better experience for us:
1.Plan for 'BEDTIME' at least 1 HOUR EARLIER: Make it clear to yourself and your kids in advance what time you want the kids to actually be asleep. Then begin preparations for bedtime long before that time. To get a good sleep 1- AVOID stimulating activities for a few hours before bedtime: During this time do NOT: play loud music, read scary stories, engage in physical activities (no pillow fights, no dancing or exercise), NO TV or Computer (the light from the TV or Monitor stimulates the Pineal gland, signaling the body to 'wake up)'. If you want them to go to sleep by 9PM, start them at 8 PM. Make sure they brush their teeth go to the bathroom, drink a glass of water at this time. (Actually a glass of water at bedtime is recommended by this doctor). If they have to 'pee' they can do it in that last hour before bedtime.
2. HAVE a QUIET TIME before bedtime: Whether it’s 10 minutes or 20 minutes, have a transition time before you turn out the lights, and call it "QUIET TIME". If you have younger kids this may be when you read them a story each night. Children love routines, because it creates a feeling of security to know that they can count on the same thing happening each night. Older kids may want to read to themselves, draw, listen to peaceful music or storybooks on tape/CD, or play quietly. Make sure they know that when the time is up that there will be ‘Lights Out’ at the appointed time. Quiet time can be a good time for you to be involved, too. You can monitor your child's emotional state and see if there is anything troubling them from the day's activities. You might want to talk things over at that time when they are undistracted and it's easier for them to express things that may be bothering them. If you are a working parent, this may be the only time you really have together in the day. The heck with the dishes and your chores during this time, mom! These will be times you will treasure in the future after they are all grown up and moved away!
3. When ‘Quiet Time’ is over, announce it: "Quiet time is over now- time for 'LIGHT"S OUT'. Expect complaints! This is normal! However, remind them that in order to get their sticker for 'GOING TO BED WHEN TOLD' they must go to bed NOW (but DO let them go to the bathroom one last time if they have to!). If you are a praying person, SAY PRAYERS just after "LIGHTS OUT". When my kids were little, sometimes they would even fall asleep while we were praying (sometimes I would, too!). In any case, this prepares their minds to close their eyes, lay aside all worries and leave them with their Creator. If they tend to be afraid when it's dark prayer time can also instill a greater sense of security that Mommy or Daddy is still in the room for a few moments with them, so they won’t feel afraid to be alone. After all this is done, if they are still asking to stay up more, be FIRM. Give a kiss and with a gentle reminder say, "Tomorrow is another day - it's time to go to sleep now" If your voice is kindly and firm,then those will be the last words that resound in their heads as they fall asleep.

STAYING IN BED...ALL NIGHT and not sneaking OUT of bed (except to go to the bathroom-always make sure they do that before going to bed!) Lots of exercise during the day (but not before going to bed) will help to wear them out - and avoiding sugar also helps a good night's sleep. If your little ones are like mine were, though, they can always think of a reason why they don't WANT to sleep. But if they know you won't budge, and they need to stay there to get their treat at the end of the week, it may give them the impetus to do what they're supposed to! Sometime having a large teddy to sleep with helps, too!

Thank you Karen, for suggesting we needed an image for this!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Getting kids up on time can wear you out before the day has begun!  Getting to bed early the night before and having a good night's sleep is always the best way to keep kids from fighting getting up, but I also found a good routine was to wake them up with happy words for the day. I would walk into their room and pray out loud, "Thank you God for this beautiful brand new day you made! Thank you for watching over us all night. Thank you that I can put my trust in you. Help me to do my best in everything today! AMEN!" And then I'd say "Time to get up now, kids!"

As they'd get older and could wake themselves (usually by the time they were teens), I'd get them an alarm clock - and they'd try getting up themselves. A special enticement of a few extra dollars at the end of the week for successfully getting up and ready for school on time didn't hurt either! We usually gave them 50 cents for each day they made it on time- or docked them that amount if they didn't. I don't know what the going rate is today!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Kindness to animals is such an important part of learning to be a good human being. Begin as early as possible to model kindness to animals yourself. It is a fact that people who mistreat or abuse animals are five times more likely to engage in other violent behavior.Intentional cruelty is a warning sign. Monkey see, monkey DO! If you see your child acting mean or cruel to an animal, rush to the animal's defense, express your great sadness and dismay, and compassion for the animal. Say, "How wouldYOU feel if YOU were them?" If it is YOUR pet, show them how to Pet, hold, feed, or handle the animal properly, yourself.
NOTE: If it is not your animal, establish a rule never to touch an animal that you do not know. I always told my children NEVER to touch other people's animals without the owner's permission and guidance first, just to be on the safe side. If it is OK for them to touch the animal, then hold their hand in the proper position to "pet nicely", and show them how. Really small children should never be left alone with an animal in a room - for their safety and the animal's. If you need more information on how to handle an animal, (or perhaps NOT to!) get more information at your local library, humane society or ZOO!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Feeding Pets is a chore that brings joy to the child and the pet! Make sure they wash the dish EACH DAY before feeding, and their hands afterwards. Health and safety are important for the pets AND the children!

Many thanks to Cathie for suggesting this one!

Fresh Water is SO important for the health of your pet! Make sure to provide it at ALL times. Your child should clean and rinse the bowl first, THEN fill with water. If you have more than one child, one can do the feeding, and one the watering job. Many thanks to Cathie for suggesting this one, too! Great mom's like you make all the difference!

(to make a chart - click here!)

What fun it is to feed the birds! If you have a place in your heart for them, perhaps you can find a place in your back yard, balcony, windowsill or along a fence where you can let your child safely feed your feathered friends once a day. It makes them happy and your child will earn a sticker too, while he learns compassion! Whether you give only a slice of bread a day, or actually put up a bird feeder, you will be helping to save the lives of these endangered species. Because of the shrinking wilderness, wild birds, once common, are gradually finding less and less room to dwell in our cities. Healthier animals are less likely to get sick. You can help them out! Click on the link below to learn how you CAN help!
This spring, enjoy watching all the beautiful birds and other small animals gathering at your wildlife-friendly haven. Join National Wildlife Federation’s nationwide network of wildlife enthusiasts by creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat™ in your yard today.

(to make a chart - click here!)

Taking care of plants can be a valuable step in developing into a caring individual. Whether it's outside or inside, give them a small plant to check on daily. Let them learn how to see if it needs water (Is the soil dry? Are the leaves Droopy or getting Yellow?) and help them learn to give just the right amount of water when it needs it, not too much. For really young children, so a small plant won't be overwatered, provide a container with just the right amount of water in it. (Tip - you can't 'over-water' a pine tree. Your child can water for a long time and use the hose! Just make sure you stand there with them!

(to make a chart - click here!)

When kids come home from school - what's the first thing they should do? PUT THE SCHOOL BAG AWAY, of course! Make sure you set a place for it! A cubby, a corner or a closet will do - as long as you decide where it goes!

Thanks to Kylie in Australia for suggesting this one!!

(to make a chart - click here!)

It really helps to school on time if the kids get the backback ready beforehand! On the day BEFORE, and after homework is done is a good time to assemble all the things needed for the next day, to avoid the before school rush in the morning. I only wish I had done that all the time when I was a kid myself!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Homework may not always be fun, but if your child knows a sticker will forthcoming, the long range benefits will be easier to strive for!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Make YOUR BED! If you show your child the first time, the good example will be something they will want to strive for. Even if it's not up to 'army perfect' standards, they can still get a sticker for making an effort to do their best!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Taking your medicine OR vitamins can sometimes seem  like an awful thing when you're a kid!

If yours puts up a fight, making them take them can be just as awful!  IF they can be made to understand that these are for their good, it will help to make them get through it. A chart couldn't hurt, either, just to get them used to it, and help give them a feeling of recognition for their accomplishment.

Thanks to Sally for suggesting this one for a friend who needs it!

(to make a chart - click here!)

I think you know what this one is for! USING YOUR WORDS! Say to the kids, "Use your WORDS! I can't understand you when you scream and yell!

You can also use it for BE CALM!  ASK for HELP instead of yelling!

Thanks to Kylie in Australia for suggesting this one, too!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Who sets the table anymore? LOTS OF PEOPLE DO! It's a great skill to learn and makes mealtime oh so much nicer to be civilized. If you haven't tried it in a while, give it a go and see what a difference it makes to eat together as a family. Statistics have shown that family relationships blossomed when folks turned off the TV and actually turned on to listening to each other at mealtime! What a concept! And it makes a fun chore to 'set the table'!  

Here's a template for setting the table:

Kelly Crews had this great idea how you can help your kids learn how to set the table:

Using a large piece of paper, (you can even use a file folder opened up flat), place the items in the correct places as shown above, outline them in their places then remove them.

When the kids come to eat, hand them the silverware and see if they can place them where  they go. Then they can have fun learning at the same time!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Some parents have trouble getting their kids to EAT! Mine never did, but then I always remembered my moms advice  to avoid sweets before meals - "They spoil your apetite!", and another thing she always said was, "HUNGER IS THE BEST SAUCE!"

The time you should ALWAYS eat is BREAKFAST TIME. It's just one of my SEVEN SUPER STRATEGIES for SUCCEEDING in SCHOOL!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Clearing your dish from the table is one of the first 'jobs' a child is capable of doing well! They will get in the habit as long as you remember YOUR job - of being the CEO of your family - by explaining thoroughly what to do. The added bonus of a reward at the end of the week helps to oil the machinery!

Thank you Karen, for suggesting we needed an image for this!

(to make a chart - click here!)

As kids get older (don't wait too long - I started them at 3 or 4 !), take advantage of their desire to feel important and needed by letting them wash their own dish. If they are little, they can get to play with the bubbles in the sink while you are washing and pretty soon they will want to do more than watch. Give them one dish to start, but before long they will want to do more. We used to make an assembly line when we had more kids to help: One would do the washing on one side of the sink, then pass it to the next one who would rinse it, and the last (or me) would check to make sure it was REALLY clean and place it in the drainer to dry and/or put away (or send it back to the soapy side again if it's not clean enough). LOT's of fun - REALLY! Sing or play music while you are washing and it can be quite jolly! Work is fun and not a chore if YOU are not a bore!

(to make a chart - click here!)

As soon as they are big enough (go ahead - rearrange your kitchen so they CAN reach the dishes!) - LET THEM HELP put them away! Better yet - you can limit the number of dishes to one for each person in your house. Give them their own special plate, bowl, cup, spoon, and fork. Provide each with their own special place where theirs will go (on the counter, cubby or place they can reach if they are little) They can be responsible to wash, dry and put them away wach time. You'll get rid of the mess of paper plates and be eco-friendly TOO!!!

Thanks to Diane for suggesting this one!

(to make a chart - click here!)

If you mess it up, CLEAN IT UP! Wherever there's a mess - kids can learn to CLEAN IT UP - and get a good mark or sticker for it!!! Even if it's someone elses mess they are cleaning? Give them a good mark!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Sweeping is fun! It's a great chore to get a sticker for! Have you taught your kids how? It's a valuable skill you'd be surprised how few kids know how to do these days! But once you get the knack - you never forget!

Thanks to Diane for suggesting this one!

(to make a chart - click here!)

The older kids can really get into mopping the floor if you show them how. Give them the chance! It doesn't have to be as perfect as YOU can do it, to really help out!

Thanks to Diane for suggesting this one!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Kids can learn to pick up stuff off the floor at almost any age (they do it anyway, even when you DON'T want them to, right?) So use that to your advantage, to teach them to pick up their own trash, and to help mommy clean the floor. Teach them the rule of never touching their face until they wash their hands and to wash hands after picking up trash - that way they will learn to avoid germs, too!). I would tell my kids, "OH! LOOK! I see a sticker someone can earn! There's some trash that needs picking up!" and they would all run to pick it up!

Vacuuming should really be divided into TWO jobs:

One of the kids to PICK UP the BIG stuff first - "anything bigger than a penny", I would tell my kids (because sucking up a penny cost me $40 dollars at the repair shop once!) - THEN the other person can do the vacuuming.

Thanks to Diane for suggesting vacuuming!

Only the big kids get to do this - and I'm sure they will be proud - a great reward in itself!

Thanks to Diane for suggesting this one!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Cleaning the bathroom is definitely a chore that needs to be supervised and taught carefully. Thank goodness you can now get natural eco friendly cleaning products that do a fine job and are safer to use. You might need to divide the job into several parts if it's too overwhelming (the sink, the mirror, the toilet, the floor, taking out the trash, etc.) at first. Remember to inspect the job each time after they do it! Don't let anyone get away with being sloppy!

Remember to tell them, "A job worth doing, is worth doing WELL! " Thanks to Diane for suggesting this one!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Another job you can give in the 'bathroom Department' is Refilling the Toilet Paper. It's a bit tricky at first, but show 'em your secrets of how YOU do it without the whole thing falling to the floor each time. THEN what a joy it will be when they finally get it right and can help out!

Usually when I think, "I'll do this to help the next person out" - that person ends up being ME!

Thanks to Diane for suggesting this one!

(Remember to make a chart - click here!)

This is a job most kids can do! By all means - let them do it!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Taking out the trash to the trash can is a bigger job!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Even little kids can learn to fold a wash cloth!

"Smaller duties prepare us for larger ones! "

Thanks to Diane for suggesting this one!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Hey - it isn't THAT hard to do!

Thanks to Diane for suggesting this one!

(to make a chart - click here!)

Having trouble gettting your kid to put on his seatbelt? Keep it on? What can you do? Make a small portable chart to take with you! (Print them up FREE from this link!) Let them know you are STILL watching - and that they can earn good marks for behaving in the car or when you are out in public!

One mom I know would say to the kids, "Well, I guess we're not going anywhere - till you put it on..."  If they say, "Great! I didn't want to go anyway" just let them know that:
1 - they don't have a choice
2 - You are the parent, they are the child and you know more than they do...and...
3 - It's against the law! You can always tell them you will call the police and have them come to explain it to them if needed! They will usually change their mind.

(to make a chart - click here!)

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