Checklists

I have a to-do list just about everyday. I love to cross items off as I finish them; it gives me a sense of accomplishment - sometimes when I find I did something that was not on my list, I add it just so I can cross it off. Very satisfying (even if it feels a tiny bit like cheating!).

I've tried lists with my kids - complex star systems with a treat box full of prizes. They're a big hit at the beginning, but tough to manage. They also get kids hooked on doing things just for a prize. In our already materialistic society, this doesn't seem like the best idea. So, when our behavior specialist mentioned a checklist for my son to keep track of normal routine things, I was torn. Yes, I knew the joys of my to-do list, but I had also experienced the sorrow of the star chart. I decided to hear her out.

This list would simply be a checklist - items to do and be checked off independently by my son. It wouldn't be tied to any reward system at all. You just do it, like big people do. So, last night, my son and I created two lists: one for morning routines and one for bedtime. We used words and picture cues and hung them up with his beloved scotch tape. I explained that he's in charge of this list - he does everything with no reminders, he makes the check marks, the whole works. Off he ran, to get his pajamas on. The whole evening went smoothly, which is more than I can say for the past week. The girls followed along and smoothly got ready for bed too.

Checklist: the miracle cure? or Checklists: another short-term solution? The jury is still out. But right now, I'll take one smooth day, and hope for the best!