Having children can be the most rewarding and yet most challenging thing we ever encounter. Nighttime feedings, diapers, potty training — the list goes on. The parenting cross that has plagued my home for the past few years has been poor behavior.
I have tried charts and agendas, read books, begged, cried, threatened to leave (empty threat), and probably every other system you have heard of. When my son was diagnosed with autism, we found ourselves in the behaviorist's office on weekly visits.
I was in tears describing the behaviors that were occurring in my house. My kids were constantly fighting with each other. I was parenting with my voice, but not with my brain. I gave too many options, too many chances, and too much of my attention. I was lost.
My behaviorist looked and me and said, "What if I told you we can fix this? What if I said I have the golden ticket?" I was skeptical, to say the least. I was also at my wits' end and out of options. I let her continue to tell me about "the ticket system."
This may seem too good to be true, but I promise it works. I was literally at the end of my rope. This process is way better than Willy Wonka's golden ticket. I use this system for getting ready in the morning, on the way to school, throughout the day for manners and interactions with siblings, getting ready for bed, etc. You determine the behavior you want to see. You reward that behavior, and I promise you will get it.