Good Enough Parenting
Family play therapist and childhood mental health expert Carley Aroldi hosts "Good Enough Parenting," the podcast where not so perfect parents tune in to be reminded that our kids are gonna be ok, even if we don't always know what we're doing! Listen in for tips on using brain-based play therapy techniques to create more calm, connection and cooperation in your family life.
Good Enough Parenting
The Secret to Making Sticker Charts Work
The number one question I get from parents is...
How do I get my kid to just… DO the things I need them to do ??
And if you’ve been with me for a long time, you know my usual answer: Don’t start a sticker chart! It’s a short term solution that usually leads to more stress than success.
BUT (get ready for it)… today I’m going to tell you that when done right
sometimes sticker charts can work
Yep. Messy Mixed Messages.
On this month’s Good Enough Parenting episode I’m sharing the key ingredients for sticker chart success:
✅ Your relationship is the real motivator. Kids don’t listen to charts—they listen to people they feel seen and valued by.
✅ The goal has to be clear. No vague “be good” nonsense. Try “Put Your Shoes on When Asked”
✅ Short time frames = success. No “be kind all week.” More like “use gentle hands in the car on the way to school”
✅ Earn, don’t punish. Losing stickers for every slip-up just makes kids quit. Focus on building success.
✅ Motivators matter. Yes, some experts say “no sweets or screens” as rewards but I once bribed my kid with cans of soda to get them hooked on reading. No regrets.
Most importantly—reward charts are a jumpstart, not a forever plan. The goal isn’t stickers, it’s habits. If it’s working, great. If it’s stressing everyone out? Ditch it.
Because at the end of the day, connecting with your kid is the best way to get cooperative behavior—not some piece of paper covered in Paw Patrol stickers.
And even if your junk drawer is basically a graveyard for half-finished “stay in bed” and “clear your plate” charts, don’t worry. That’s still good enough.
With love,
Carley
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
- Rita Pierson’s TED Talk: Every Kid Needs a Champion
- Good Enough Parenting Episode #20: Better Behavior with Brain Basics
To get Carley’s free video teaching you 4 play therapy techniques you can use TODAY to calm your emotional child and bring joy and freedom back to family life click here!
http://www.paceparent.com/play
And follow her @CarleyCounsels on FB & IG!