Jackson

Jackson has always struggled with having "fits" over seemingly little things (his tag itching him, his shoelaces not being tied so that the bunny ears are exactly the same size, his shirts or pants being too tight or too loose, homework, messing up on an art project, waking up in the morning when he's tired, showering, etc).  For a while I felt like they were becoming less frequent but since December they have become more frequent, more severe, and less bearable.  He will cry, roll on the floor, kick his legs, and refuse to go to his room so I end up dragging him up all 20 stairs (with my dang boot on mind you!) and putting him in his room.  He was having two to three fits a day!  I decided I could no longer deal with it so I came up with a plan...called Jackson's Fit Chart, very creative I know.  I told him that for every day he does not have a fit he will get a star.  For every day he does have a fit he will get one taken away.  Once he has five stars he gets a special night with mommy or daddy (he chose daddy, not surprising).  He was really excited about it and I had high hopes and well...

 

 

 

He's been fit free for four straight days!  Today is day five and he had a great morning so as long as he does well this afternoon him and daddy are going to have a special night (7-11 for slurpees and then playing board games together is what he chose) tonight (I know it's a school night but Parker and I have plans both Friday and Saturday night this weekend).  It's been interesting to watch him over the past few days.  There have been many times where he has wanted to throw a fit but hasn't.  The first day he was cutting out a snowflake and it didn't turn out, he was very very frustrated and I looked at him and said "Jaaaackson" and he said, "I know mommy I know I won't throw a fit."  He was able to control himself which was wonderful to see.  That has happened every day.  I am SO proud of him and, when not throwing fits, Jackson is SUCH a joy to be around.  He has been such a happy boy and the dynamic in our house has improved drastically, I have more patience and am more pleasant because I'm not dealing with his fits.  I hope that he continues his good behavior.  We will do a couple more rounds of the five star motivation then we might bump it up to eight or ten.  Here's to hoping the good behavior continues!!

 

I thought this was a cute picture of Jack and Brody...