Thursday, August 05, 2010

Accentuate the Postive

Since coming home and getting well, Clayton's had a bit of a time, ahem, shall we say adjusting?  He's always been spoiled because we've always done exactly what he wants and when he wants to do it.  But these days, we're having to modify that rule of thumb and he's not liking it one bit! 

But here's the rub, how in the world do you discipline a child who doesn't DO anything?  It's not like you can "take something away" or have a "time out."  Time out from what exactly???  So, we've decided to praise the positive and hope that fosters some better behaviors.  His main issue is whining.  Whine, whine, and more whine.  Ugh, it is so annoying!  I started small by breaking up the day for his rewards because frankly I wasn't sure he would be able to get through whole days and actually ever receive a reward!! 

He's done well so far, but the whining is definitely not gone for good.  In fact, today he only got one star since he couldn't seem to turn it off.  But he knows exactly what he wants to do when he gets those five stickers---"Drive Daddy's truck.  That'd be fine," he says!!

3 comments:

Katy said...

Oh, the whining--I know EXACTLY what you mean. We actually had to teach Charlie to whine because before that it was ear-piercing screams. I would think he was having a seizure or something when in reality, he really didn't like the song on the radio. I guess one day in the future we'll work on better communication methods.

Patti H said...

that is a great system you have happening Ashley. Whining I believe is learnt behavior and so hard to break. Good luck. It has to be tough especially because of what Clayton has gone through lately.

Amy said...

I like your system! Good luck! I'm sure he'll be riding Go-Karts soon.