Why Positive Reinforcement?

MyTime Friends Why Positive Reinforcement Chart

Often out of frustration, exasperation or just plain inexperience, we as parents, grandparents, and caregivers fall into a negative approach to teaching by nagging, spanking or other ineffective disciplines instead of using the almost magical approach of positive reinforcement.

The MyTime Friends Positive Action Charts are simple … and they work! Typical chore charts list many behaviors to be completed and checked off. However, learning any single skill usually involves a number of steps, so having a specific chart with an instant sticker reward for each good effort is perfect for young children.

The MyTime Friends use positive reinforcement to help toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary age children learn good habits. Our charts take the adult out of the role of nagging policeman and gives the child a partner (you!) to help them achieve the desired goal.

The MyTime Friends Positive Action charts, along with their silly but informative storybooks, colorful stickers, and reward coupons get children excited about learning good habits and new behaviors. For many parents, the change in their child’s attitude has been nothing short of amazing!

How to use the charts:

  • Start by looking at the illustrations and reading through the poem, cartoon and storybook with your child. This will help your child understand what is expected and how they can earn praise and stickers for practicing the desired behavior.
  • Tack the chart in a conspicuous place where your child can see the progress he or she is making. Remind your child of how proud you are when they cooperate and complete a task.
  • For every sincere effort allow your child to place a sticker on their chart. Try to ignore, as much as possible, when your child is not cooperating and help them get back on track with cheerful reminders of what they need to do next. Please do not take away stickers or rewards once earned. This could be discouraging and a disincentive to continue trying.
  • Some days will go better than others when using positive reinforcement. Don’t get discouraged. Patience and a sense of fun will get the job done. Reward every success and soon it will become a pattern. Nothing pleases a child more than making you happy.

Tips:

  • The back of the chart can also be used for stickers. You may be surprised to see where some little ones place stickers, over the artwork and all! Encourage it! It’s the act of rewarding themselves instantly with a colorful sticker that teaches your child learning good habits can be fun!
  • The coupons are ideal for longer term rewards such as a trip to the park or special snack after a per-determined number of stickers earned.

The Author Laura Jean

I love children and have had the blessing of being around lots of them; as a nanny, a preschool assistant and Auntie. I believe it is our job as parents, grandparents, or care givers to help kids learn the good behaviors and habits that will serve them a lifetime.

My journey as a children‘s inventor began many years ago after babysitting a friend’s young daughter who was not quite three at the time, and not yet potty trained. Remembering my Kindergarten excitement at receiving a sticker on my forehead for a job well done, I thought there might be a fun way to help her with her dilemma. That night I drew up the first teddy bear potty training chart, purchased some stickers and delivered it the next morning.

I was happily surprised when her mother informed me she was potty trained in one day! She was running to the bathroom at the slightest urge and proudly showing off her sticker filled chart to everyone coming in the house.

That encouraging beginning fueled my desire to help children in other challenging areas of young life. Now along with Tinkles the Pottytime Bear, we have eighteen different charts to choose from.