Ugh- my parents!

reynah

I started this reward chart to encourage positive behavior for my 3 1/2 year old. He gets a small piece of candy for every 5 stickers. Anyway, so my parents came over this afternoon and brought a load of candy for him!

They just don't get it. They constantly give him sugar every time they are around. I told them about my chart and how it would mess today up and my step father gave it to him anyway!

How would you have handled this? I am furious right now!

reynah

Oh, and today is the first day we started this!

meghans30

I think I would have taken the bag and said I would use them as rewards for when he gets the five stickers. Hate when people over step my parenting. Think I need to start a reward program also.

amiamish

I would have taken it away and said "oh, Gma and Gpa brought candy for your sticker chart! Yay! Lets put it up here until you earn your sticker, then you can pick one." and shot them a VERY evil look. Then maybe reiterate to them (when DC is away) that you don't appreciate that.

jettagurl

Since today is the first day, I'd just write it off and start over tomorrow. I'm sure it's frustrating that he was doing well and they pretty much ruined your efforts.  In the future, I'd tell anyone that has/offers candy that you appreciate that they would like to share/give some to your son, but that you are working on his behavior and would appreciate their support by not giving anything to him without your approval.  If they don't support your wishes, limit their time with your son, and you'll likely have to supervise that time.  

That said, be careful using food as a long-term reward for good behavior.  That can lead to a poor association with food, and he would probably benefit better from some type of toy/activity reward.  Visit the dollar store and stock up!  

reynah

He gave them the candy when I went outside for a few min. with my grandmother. It's ridiculous that I should even have to worry about this. My parents have been like this since he was born.