Positive Reinforcement

I used to think "Super Nanny" was a left-wing bonkazoid with her behavior charts. I am now a believer in this sort of positive reinforcement. My husband has a saying that goes something like: "A behavior that is rewarded is a behavior that will be repeated." My eldest is four years old, and I just recently got him potty-trained. I had tried every trick I could think of. I am ashamed to admit that we even tried punishment. "The New Dare to Discipline" by Dr. James Dobson told me that was a HUGE mistake. He said that parents should NEVER use punishment where potty-training is concerned, for the fact of how far it can set the child back in actually learning to properly potty-train. He also said that it can affect the child's mind as well, causing major repercussions where academia and social skills are concerned. All I have to say is "Oops!" and, "I have tried my hardest to make up for it!" I read further in "Dare to Discipline" about the use of a chart-and-reward system that made good sense. So, I went to our local school supply store and bought a packet of cute little charts and some gold star stickers. I explained to Fidelis that he was a big boy, and needed to wear underwear. I told him we were not going to use pull-ups anymore, and I knew he could go potty every time. I further explained that for every day he didn't have any accidents, he would get to put a sticker on his chart; and then, when he filled up his chart, we would go to the zoo. I am delighted to report complete success. From the very first day, he has worn underwear, and has never had an accident. His chart is now full, and we are planning a trip to the zoo as soon as Daddy is back to being off on weekends. I plan to use charts from now on in order to encourage a desired behavior from my children.

Daily Routines and Listmaking.

It's amazing how much more sane one becomes with a set routine. I have read from several sources recently that daily routines are essential for a child, especially toddlers, and most especially, boys. When my children are older, I plan to fashion printed routines for them as well.I have been in routine limbo for over a month while my husband has been on night shift. But there is light at the end of the tunnel! He should be back on a normal schedule this week! Hooray! In view of that fact, I have printed up my routine in a pretty font with a picture that makes me happy just by looking at it. (You should have things like that scattered through out your home by the way- things that make you smile. Makes life less dreary.) For purposes of inspiring you to create your own routine, here is mine:

Daily Routine

1. Wake up, pray, make the bed.
2. Wash up, makeup, hair, get dressed.
3. Wipe down bathrooms.
4. Empty dishwasher.
5. Wash, dry, fold, & put away one load of laundry.
6. Dress kids, feed them breakfast.
7. What’s for dinner? (clean up as you go)
8. Chore of the day (let children help).
9. Playtime and school!
10. Lunch, then nap/ quiet time.
11. Declutter for 15 minutes.
12. Free/ “working” time.
13. Dinner- then shine your sink!
14. Kids- bathe, brush teeth, story time, prayers, bed.
15. Hot Spots for 2 minutes.
16. Exercise for 20 minutes.
17. Lay out clothes for tomorrow.
18. Shower, brush teeth, pampering, bed!


Maybe I am slightly retarded, but I can function much better when I can see on paper what it is I need to do. I keep running lists of things I need to do, places I need to go, etc. As a mother of three children, I can only remember so much at one time, so it is best that I write things down. I have forgotten so many things because I tried to rely on the strength of my memory- not smart. Most of the time I just write things I need to remember on whatever stray piece of paper happens to be within striking range, but it would be nice to have a pretty notepad to write on (another thing to make you smile). I saw some adorable clipboards with matching paper at Hobby Lobby the other day- just you wait until they have 40% off coupons on their website again!

Fidelis' Birthday Cake

I'm pretty proud of this cake I made for Fidelis' 3rd birthday. It was my third Topsy-turvy cake, and the first one that didn't fall apart. You can see here my Fidelis and my Daddy.


Notice the Route 66 sign...

Cactus, roads, clouds, grass.. I went all out. That is how a Mater Truck cake is done, Mr. Cake Boss!