Cindy’s Other Blog

My daughter was eight years old and had an ongoing battle in keeping her room tidy. I would try to do the right thing and model the correct way for her to keep her room tidy and she would stand and stare at me while I did the tidying. Nothing seemed to work with her..

And then… one morning I walked into Becky’s room and it was kind of tidy. OK, there were a couple of insignificant things lying on the ground. But compared to what I was used to seeing on her bedroom floor, I was thrilled. I had never seen her room this tidy.

I decided that this would call for a little reward. I decided to buy Beck a little trophy. I had it engraved with “tidiest room award”. Then I put her name on it. Now this only cost me $12 in total. It wasn’t an expensive trophy so everyone can do this.

I placed the trophy on Beck’s duchess so she would see it when she got home from school. Beck was absolutely thrilled and took it to school the next day for show and tell.

It was such a simple thing to do and yet Becky will never forget what I did for her that day. I could have growled at her for leaving two things out on her bedroom floor. However I chose the better way - the way of encouragement. Compliments will speak very loudly to your child, much more than any growling ever will.

Yes, I do know it can be difficult to catch them doing good things. But it is your job as a parent to find the good in your child. Believe me, I know how difficult it can be. At times I have had to compliment my kids for walking quietly in the house. There was literally nothing else to compliment that day! It is a challenge but you can do it. I cheer you on.