To make an awesome behaviour jar you'll need:
Jam jar or similar jar
Beads, buttons or pebbles (I bought some cute star buttons off eBay for a few pounds!
1. Fill the jar with a few pebbles or buttons, (the ones already in the jar are there in case you need to remove some before you've added any!)
2. Explain to your child what the jar is all about. Talk about behaviour that's great and what's not so great!)
3. Every time there is good behaviour, pop a pebble in the jar. When there are 20 (or however many you decide), a treat is gained! It doesn't have to be anything expensive – perhaps a teddy bears picnic tea in the living room, a magazine, a colouring book and crayons, a trip to the park, whatever you think your child might want to work towards.
4. Every time the behaviour is negative, you remove a bean. You'll find they learn and begin to like the idea very quickly. Behaviour is often improved considerably after only a few 'pebble removals.'
5. Remind and reward all the time – if you can see something is about to happen, remind them about the jar. Often a reminder is enough to change behaviour.
6. Respond to good behaviour in an exaggerated way with very little ones – clap, cheer say how wonderful they are, for example; 'How very lovely of you to share that toy!'
This awesome behaviour jar is so easy to make and really works! Why not have a try? I'd love to hear how you got on!
Fi is a full time mum of two born less than a year apart.
She is also a qualified nursery nurse and parent adviser. Her first book 'Blissful baby - say goodnight to sleepless nights!' is due out in the Spring.
Blogs at: Childcare is Fun
Twitter: @Childcareisfun