The "IF... THEN..." chart

A few years ago our friend showed us her "If... Then... Chart" and we thought it was a great idea. The chart names a bad behavior like stealing or hitting, then it shares a bible verse based on that offense. Then there is a section that you fill in your choice of consequences or discipline.

Though Brian and I agree to discipline our boys, we often don't discipline in the same way. This chart offers us the ability to be unified in our parenting and disciplining of our children. I bought the chart in May, the week after my head injury, but I couldn't be bothered to fill it out.

Well, last Friday I did fill it out the consequences. I also added a few extras to the list like..."If you don't clean up after yourself... then you will get an extra chore".

This morning as Hayden was walking upstairs to get dressed and brush his teeth he stopped to straighten up the couch pillows and fold up the blanket he had used. I asked him what he was doing and he quickly replied "I am cleaning up after myself so I don't have to have an extra chore today". I was very pleased with him! I guess he has all ready done enough extra chores to learn the value and importance of cleaning up after himself.