THE POWER OF BRIBERY?

We can't wait for some nice weather

Jacob's pattern of behavioural issues while at school continued this week.  All in all, he's earned 5 out of 10 stickers for his reward calendar.  And all 5 stickers came from the afternoon sessions.  He doesn't seem to be responding to his morning EA like he has in previous years.  We're not sure what his issues are, but we think we've come up with a way to help his behaviour improve.

Yesterday something strange happened.  Jacob asked if we would get him a Nintendo 3DS.  Now normally we don't condone bribery as positive reinforcement for good behaviour, but this time we feel like we don't have many choices.

So we told Jacob that his behaviour in school, from now to the end of the year, must improve.  Then we told him if he had more good days as grade 3 winds down, then we would get him a 3DS for passing.  We've never really used bribery on Jacob simply because he doesn't often ask for things.  In the past when we've asked Jacob what he wants for a gift at Christmas, his reply is "I want what's in the presents that Santa brings me."

All we can do is hope that bribery works in our situation.  The only risky thing is that if Jacobs behaviour doesn't improve, then we can't get him a 3DS.  And we mean ever.  The worst thing you can do for a child is give in and reward negative behaviour.  Then when you factor in an ASD diagnosis, the emphasis is ten fold.

Hopefully the nice weather will help influence some positive behaviour too.  The sun is shining, it's warmer and all of natures beauty will soon be in full bloom.  So we'll keep our fingers crossed and remain optimistic as all parents like us often do.