In the pictures you will see the bedtime routine that I made for my daughter. When she is done with one task she puts the card in the envelope at the bottom of the chart. This way if she "forgets" what to do next I can direct her back to the chart. The chart is the boss - not mommy. The chart says, next you must put your clothes in the hamper. This takes the tension of mom (or dad) being bossy, while at the same time keeping her on task. If she doesn't do her tasks - then she looses "song." (Meaning that I will rub her back but will not sing to her.) To her this is enough of a motivator (most nights). I encourage everyone to use your child's interests as part of your discipline routine. If you do "good listening," I will give you a sticker. If you get 5 stickers, I will give you a match box car or a princess necklace (or whatever it is may interest them.) Negative reinforcement should be tried last. Such as if I count to 5 and you don't put your dirty clothes in the hamper then you will not get to watch 5 minutes or 15 minutes of your favorite show or play your favorite game. Find what works for you and your child.
Below are some images of the bedtime chart I made for my 5 year old daughter. I bought a cheap $1.00 Class Schedule at Target, then printed off pictures that were relevant to our routine.
Pick up toys
Take off clothes
Put pajamas on
Put dirty clothes in hamper
Go potty
Brush teeth
Pick out a story
Get in bed
Wait quietly in bed
Read a story
Sing song
STEPS
1. Type in search words (ie. bedtime, pajamas, hamper)
2. Print out images
3. Laminate the printed piece of paper
4. Then cut out each image
5. Cut half-one inch strips of velcro
6. Place velcro on the images and then on the chart
7. Staple an envelope to put the images in when the task
is complete.
If you don't get lucky and find one of these charts then use a piece of construction paper and a sheet protector.
Buy a roll of velcro at a craft store or walmart. Cut into 1/2 inch to 1 inch strips. Stick one side to an image and the other side to the laminated chart.
Some additional advice-
Make sure that when you are buying velcro that you aren't buying the pre-cut shapes above because they need to be sewn and have no sticky backing.
If you use a piece of construction paper and sheet protector, I recommend taping it shut to increase its durability.
