The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

While going through a [bottom] desk drawer, I came upon these "Behavior Modification" Charts we used with the kids approximately six (maybe more) years ago. Their ages back then would've been Haylee - 3, Kyle - 5 1/2, Ryan - 9.

The "program" was designed to reward good behaviors by giving "points" every time they demonstrated that particular good behavior. We also had a corresponding Rewards Chart [not found in above mentioned drawer] with a list of a bunch of privileges along with the number of points required to EARN that privilege. As soon as they had enough points, they could do/get whatever.

The good behaviors listed on their charts were actually behaviors that we felt the children were struggling with. (Blunt explanation: they were ACTING THE OPPOSITE most of the time!!) So, basically, they had to REALLY try HARD to get points since these went against their natural tendencies.

Check out what behaviors we were working on (at the time, only the oldest 3 were involved with doing this - Miss B wasn't even thought of yet, and Katelyn was still an angel infant!) :)


Ryan's List (in case you can't see it): Think Before Acting, Jobs Without Reminding, Encourage Others, Bedtime, Kind & Pleasant to Brother and Sisters, Answer/Listen to Mom & Dad The FIRST Time, Finish Task Without Being Called Back or Reminded, Make it to Bed ON TIME Without Reminders.

Kyle's List: Say Please & Thank You, Be Honest, Listen, Talk It Over.


Haylee's List: Share & Take Turns, Use Kind Words/Voice, Cooperate w/ Hair, Dressing, Potty, Keep Hands to Self, Say "YES" to Mom and Dad, Nice Hands, Soft Hands, "No Crying, No Whining", Pick up Toys.

The thing that cracked me up when I saw these was that 6+ years later, at ages 9 1/2, 12, and 15 1/2....THEY STILL HAVE THESE SAME STRUGGLES....just in a more grown up version.

My parenting techniques are super AWESOME and EFFECTIVE, eh?!?

And, on the same subject, Matt recently found some cards/letters/love notes that we had written to each other over the years and he wanted me to read them. I was reading one he'd written to me while we were engaged - it was just a few weeks before our wedding date - August 1994. Here's an excerpt:
"...I am trying my best to get rid of one of my biggest weaknesses - Procrastination. Be patient with me, hon..."

Did I mention that our Camry didn't pass the emissions test when Matt took it in on 9/29? It had to be registered by the end of September. In order to pass and be legally registered, the Camry would need a new catalytic converter thing-a-ma-bob....BEFORE the end of the month.

:)

Did you also know that if someone were to make a "Behavior Modification" chart for me,
"BE PATIENT" would be on the list? (with below average points earned!)

Yep, the more things change, the more they stay the same!