Power Struggles

For the last several weeks, Corbin's meltdowns have hit a new level.  It's pretty obvious that he is still trying to figure out how he fits into this new normal that is our family of 4.   For example, he now also wants to be carried to the car, and is pretty much tough to get to do anything he doesn't want to.  Getting him dressed in the morning = dreadful.  Getting him to follow directions = stressful.  His behavior at school has also been on a downhill slide, complete with arguing with teachers.  The traditional time outs don't seem to be working in this situation. 

Since we are pretty sure he is craving attention (positive attention), we have implemented a reward chart.  He has the potential to get 3 Stars a day.  One for eating breakfast and getting dressed without back talk or fits, one for being a good listener and making good choices at school and the third for being a good listener and not throwing fits while getting ready for bed.  Stars are taken away if he makes bad choices in any of these day segments. 

So far, so good.  He is really focused on earning stars and melts when we have to take a star off the chart.  Once he gets 10 stars, we go for ice cream.  At 20 stars, we go to the park or playground, his choice.  At 30 stars, he gets to pick out a new toy from the store.