Manner Ladder

Make the please and thank you fun!

You will need:

• Popsicle sticks (we used colored ones)
• Glue
• Picture of your child

How to:
This is a very simple one. Glue the popsicle sticks to form a ladder. Place a piece of tape on the back of child's picture and place on the bottom rung. Hang somewhere that it will be easily reached. (We clipped ours onto the fridge.)

The story:
Every time we catch Elliott using manners, without being prompted to do so, he gets to move up the ladder. (Please, thank you, excuse me, sharing, playing well with friends, etc.) When he gets to the top, he gets a special treat. (A small toy, an extra television show, a special snack, etc.)

The rules are pretty easy. No moving up the ladder if he asks to move up the ladder or if we have to remind him of his manners. I made a no punishment rule for us as well: We are not allowed to move him down a notch for misbehaving. (Who, my angel?) I want this to be about the behaviors that he is rewarded for, not taking away something that he has earned.

This ladder has gone over very, very well. We have had it up for a couple of months and Elliott still loves getting to move his picture up a rung. Plus, he seems to be picking up some good habits. He shakes hands with people he meets, thanks people who hold doors for him and blessed a sneezing man at the store.

Elliott's Evaluation:
That is my manners ladders. It has letters on the side and Elliott gets to go up, up, up and up and I get a special snack time or prize because Mommy lets me pick.