That’s actually one of my biggest worries—like, if we miss a couple nights, is it going to undo all the progress? My daughter gets really into her sticker chart too, but after a rough week (she got sick and routines went out the window), it felt almost impossible to get back on track. I kept second-guessing if I should just start over or try something new. Did you ever switch up the reward, or just stick with what worked before? Sometimes I feel like she gets bored and then it’s even harder to motivate her...
Missing a couple nights definitely doesn’t erase all the work you’ve put in—think of it more like hitting pause than starting from scratch. I’ve seen lots of families hit a rough patch, especially when kids get sick and routines just fall apart. Have you ever tried letting her pick a new sticker or reward when she seems bored? Sometimes just swapping out the chart for something silly (like letting them “brush” your teeth after) shakes things up. I’m curious, does she get more interested if you change the routine itself, or is it really about the reward for her?
Sometimes just swapping out the chart for something silly (like letting them “brush” your teeth after) shakes things up.
Letting her “brush” my teeth is hilarious—she takes it way too seriously and I end up with toothpaste on my nose, but she laughs like it’s the best thing ever. I’ve tried new stickers and even different toothbrushes (the ones that light up), but honestly, the novelty wears off fast. For my kid, it’s less about the reward and more about how goofy or different the routine feels that night. If I act like a dinosaur while brushing, suddenly she’s all in. Maybe it’s just about making it unpredictable sometimes?
Totally get what you mean about the novelty factor fading quick. My kiddo was obsessed with a singing toothbrush for, like, a week and then it was back to the nightly struggle. What actually worked longer for us was making up a new “toothbrushing song” every night—sometimes it’s just me making weird noises, but if I act like I forgot how to brush my own teeth, she thinks it’s hilarious and wants to show me the “right” way. It’s unpredictable, but somehow that keeps her interested… at least for now.
if I act like I forgot how to brush my own teeth, she thinks it’s hilarious and wants to show me the “right” way.
That’s actually brilliant—kids love to feel like the expert. I’ve noticed giving them a little control (like picking their toothbrush or toothpaste) keeps them engaged longer than any gadget. Consistency beats novelty every time, honestly.
