I’m not a huge fan of online shopping. I like the act of shopping; the walking and the browsing and the excuse to leave my kids with Boatman for a few hours. It’s relaxing and satisfying.
But Darwin’s not a big place, and sometimes our options are limited. So with Christmas fast approaching, I thought it was time to explore a little more thoroughly the world of web shopping, and where better place to start, than a fellow bloggers boutique.
I stumbled across Mums the Word Boutique on Facebook, and was instantly banned by Boatman. The temptation was just too great. Sarah has all sort of gorgeous stuff here like these cute stuff animals.
This picnic set that I just know Bridie would adore,
And a whole bunch of handmade Christmas goodies.
I also came across this.
A My Choice Magnetic chart.
These kinds of things really appeal to me; anything that can help the kids get some kind if visual cue as to how they are improving their behaviour is a great idea in my book.
So when, literally 5 days after seeing these online I was asked to review them, I jumped at the chance.
The set comes with a magnetic board, and a sheet of magnets for your child to ‘decorate’ it. There is a little photo frame that you can put their pic in (which I didn’t do because I am shocking when it comes to printing photos,) and included is a washable marker with eraser so it can be personalized with your child’s name.
The pack also comes with a booklet to help you get the most out of the chart, and suggestions for rewards.
The basic idea is simple. You choose a character quality that you want your child to develop, and then talk with them about it. Together you agree on a ‘reward’ activity, which is then written on another magnet at the bottom. When you child displays the desired behaviour, they place a star magnet on the ‘night sky’ section of the chart, and at the end of the set time, you count how many stars they got, congratulate their achievement, and carry out your activity.
The stars come in yellow and blue, so you could easily work with two children at the same time, or with one child and two character traits. I’ve used it once with Bailey and we focused on patience and kindness, and when he was done, we went out for ice-cream.
He did great applying kindness by sharing with his baby sister.
I’ve done sticker charts a lot in the past, and what I like about this is that it’s all there, in one convenient pack, and it doesn’t take a lot of work from me. Also it challenged the way I did things. With the older girls I have always set a ‘target’ for stickers, but the work book suggested that instead of setting a goal, you set a time limit and just praise them for the good they did. I found this was very effective for Bailey’s age because he could see the end. Next time I will try it with Taylah and Bridie, and I’ll probably require them to achieve all their stars because of their age.
The other thing I really like about this is the way it encourages children to choose. The back of the chart has over a hundred suggestions for positive choice words, and encourages parents to remind their children to say I choose.
‘I choose to be purposeful.’
‘I choose to be calm.
‘I choose to be hopeful.’
You get the idea.
It’s very proactive and encourages little ones to take responsibility which I I really love.
The best bit is, thanks to Mums the Word, you too can have your own My Choice Chart for your little ones! Sarah is graciously giving one lucky Diary of a SAHM reader a pack valued at $34.95, which is be exciting, because as you all no doubt know, I love helping families find better ways of doing things.
Oh, and if you needed any further convincing, Sarah is a fellow LooBlogger! She won last weeks Facebook Competition, so that makes her all kinds of cool!
For this comp I’m giving rafflecopter a whirl. It’s pretty easy, and once you’re done entering, you can add your link, and go read the rest of Tuesdays awesome blogs! What are you waiting for?
Disclosure: this is not a sponsored post. I received one My Choice Chart for review. All opinions are my own and I honestly just loved the product. The competition will be run from Tuesday 8th of November to Tuesday 22nd of November. The winner will be announced on Facebook and via the blog and will have one week to contact me for shipping of their prize.
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Ooooo, I do like the items you profiled indeed. The owl is cute but I like the concept of the Magnetic chart and what it's teaching (I'll have to pop back when the Linky is working). It's been a long time since I really enjoyed shopping. All I know how to do is grocery, Target/KMart or BigW shopping for the basics. I just don't know how enjoy other shopping anymore (I wish I did) and I've less patience. I like the idea of unique and different things, like at markets but I just don't have the energy to try it with two little ones (or maybe too lazy?). I've done a little online shopping but I think I should give it a whirl this year. There are some really great online stores (yay, Etsy) and I should check out blogger stuff such as Mum's The Word. All this is just a great reminder I need to get my act together NOW before Christmas is upon me and it's too late to order online…….just the thought of fighting last minute Christmas madness makes me shudder……or maybe it's the lack of sleep and early wake up call by bub!
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I try and finish shopping by December because we only have one major shopping centre up here and it gets crazy! This year I am tragically lagging behind!
Loving the idea of supporting other bloggers too. So many of them have their own little stalls. I'm going to order that picnic set I think!
The magnet chart looks like a great idea to encourage behaviour & attitude choices. I have trouble keeping up with reward charts. We do something else, which is working a treat at the moment (all will be revealed soon…!) (PS. I'm not sure what's going on with your rafflecopter form – but all I can see is HTML code.)
Thanks Deb. it was set on American time that's why it wouldn't display! But I know better for next time now!
I've tried lots of different reward ideas and this one works for us; but I can't wait to hear yours!
Uh-Oh, you know I am a total online shopping junkie!
I am a sucker for owls, these ones are especially cute but I think the chart is a great idea. Do you think it would be suitable for a 2 year old? She tends to just want to cover herself in the stickers at the moment
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That sounds like my little girl a few months back. Stickers everywhere.
My recent post The Logic of a Child (Them’s Smart Cookies)
I think it would be good for a two year old because if you just decide to do it for a week, it doesn't carry on and they know they will get their treat quickly.
Plus cause its magnets they can't cover themselves! Just hang it up high; I've had Ava pulling them off all week!
That chart looks like a fab idea!
We have a few off the stuffed toys from Plushka, they are adorable.
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I am a sucker for cute little owl teddies; I just love these ones!
And the Christmas birds are all kinds of cute!
Sold Sold Sold – What does an online shopping addict do when a fabulous site like this is practically planted in my face? I go shopping!
xx
Thanks Jess
P.S My credit card now hates you!
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Sorry Sonia!
I think you and I may be kindred shopping spirits. We may have to plan an interstate catchup shopping trip one time.
If our husbands would let us! Who knows what we would come back with!
I've been looking at magnetic charts for a while now, but never saw one l liked. This one is looking more like it!
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I like this one; it's all there and very easy. Plus the fact that I can use it for all my kids is very appealing!
Love the whole time limit concept. All the ones I've ever seen is about reaching a certain number of stars. I love the idea of praising them regardless of how many times they've achieved the targeted behavior! Love the owl too!
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Yes me too! I've only ever set the targets before, which I have found good for older kids, but not for younger ones. We just counted how many stars he had (15) and then praised him for it and went for ice cream. So much easier for a three year old to grasp, and he was so proud of his efforts.
Plus it worked. He has been telling me today how he is being 'patient.' makes me smile every time!
15!!! That's great! Well done little man!
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I'm guessing this giveaway is only for Aussie residents heehee. Nonetheless, think it's a great way to build character and choices with your child. Never really seen a chart like that before actually. And I love the picnic set too! Did u get it?
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Oh I totally forgot to check that! I'll have to ask Sarah!
I haven't ordered the picnic set yet but I plan to. There is also an adorable tea set I want to get Ava. My MIL wants me to buy presents from them, so I think I will get them
yay wonderful
kiddy tea parties are so sweet… hope to see your reviews on them too
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Well I ordered them but you will have to wait until after Christmas!
As all have said above..love it…the on-line shopping is drool and view isn't it? Sometimes tho' I still have to touch.
As an Education Specialist (shameless plug) I think the Magnetic Chart is BRILLIANT. Am popping over to that site after I leave here. Love, D.
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Thanks Denyse.
I love a good reward chart too.
And I'm with you on shopping. Somethings on line are great, but I do like to touch and look myself
Wow!! the Picnic Set I think will be every little girl (and mother's) dream present!! And the idea for the Magnetic Chart really is good! Definately putting them both on our wishlist!
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Isn't that picnic set adorable? There is also a gorgeous tea set I want to get Ava!
It's a cute little shop!
I actually really like the sound of this.
I think it's important that parents identify and recognise the place for maybe the not so desirable actions and emotions in their children. We have talked about this with our kids how that it's ok to feel sad or angry, but it's not ok to hurt others, physically or verbally, because you are feeling this way. That it's important to always be kind and respectful to others regardless of how you are feeling, and it's ok to ask for help or something else you may need to feel better.
That picnic set is TDF!
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Yep I am with you here. There is a place for emotions but it's what we choose to do with them that matters. U think that's what I like about this chart for older kids. It emphasizes choosing how you're going to act.
And isn't that picnic set gorgeous!
I definitely need a chore chart, I'm too lazy to make my own.
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Sounds like you need a chore chart to help you make a chore chart!
You are all sorts of awesome! I really love your parenting tips, Guru!
Now, Bailey better share his ice cream with me when we meet.
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Happy iBOT Jess!! I'm a slacker and haven't found time to post yet… okay so I have been busy, but still no excuse lol
Totally LOVE the idea of the My Choice Chart. BJ6 has been having some issues lately with his behaviour, being #5 of 5 he is learning all the bigger kids bad habits in fast forward atm. It's doing my head in. Food has a major part to play in it, but we have been having talks about behaviour and being kind A LOT the past few weeks.
I've tried the sticker charts too. It didn't work for us. But in saying that I don't know if I really worked with it the way I should have. You'd think him being #5 I'd have it down pat by now lol Nup, not me! lol
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Some kids just don't get the whole sticker chart thing. Maybe some other kind of system would work better?
Love the look of the chart, I keep trying the whole chart thing here but we spend so much time getting bogged down in the making of the chart that it never gets finished and we all seem to loose interest. As yet I haven't seen one pre made that really appealed to me but this one looks pretty good
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I can't wait until Jonathan is old enough to understand a chart like this! And I LOVE that this focuses on encouraging positive behaviour/character. What a wonderful, visual reminder for kiddies
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He probably wouldn't be too far off. You would be amazed at how quickly they pick up on this sort of thing.
Hello, those are lovely things. Will check out for my littler ones. I have been out all day since drop off and still out now! Waiting for a son to get off the bus, nice to sit still after lots of walking today! Off to read other posts..
Sticker charts have not worked here so I'm loving the look of these magnetic ones.
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Yeah this is much easier. And it comes with a little plastic case to keep everything in as well. Very handy!
Great product with a positive rather than negative focus. I haven't been down the sticker chart route, but I can see the benefits of this one.
I love the choice thing- I choose… I used to use that sort of language with Miss 3 all the time, but it has fallen by the wayside a bit. Thanks for the reminder!
It's hard to remember everything! But putting the responsibility back on them is so handy. I often tell my kids that they have chosen a negative consequence because of their behaviour. Takes it off me being a 'mean mummy' and puts it back on their shoulders.
Love it! Even at my girls' ages they'd benefit from a motivational tool like this, since the behaviours we want them to demonstrate remain the same.
I'm a huge fan of online shopping and the store is so gorgeous!
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It is a gorgeous little shop! I ordered the picnic set, and another tea set for Ava for Christmas. Can't wait till they get here!
They look very motivational but I love the Owl !
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I love the Christmas bird!
Just don't know where I would put it!
im still stuck on the hand clasping thing. Can you make another tutorial as a prize?
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A prize for what? I'm confused.
I have no idea what I am talking about… Ahhh in terms of your current giveaway…. I'm still fixated on your heart training post and the hand thing.. Can you give a tutorial on instruction as a giveaway? Yeah cause it's so random.
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Ooh your little mans icecream has made me hungry! These charts look great!
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Ice cream always makes me hungry!
Oh i love the idea of the chart! My kids work really well with this kind of thing! We use a job chart too http://blog.mummybrain.com/2011/11/review-my-job-…
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Job chart sounds great! Will check it out later
(once I get the kids asleep and the housework done…I may be a while! 
)
I really like the sound of this. My little one is a little too young to understand just yet, but when we get there this sounds like the perfect way to approach things. I am also totally in love with that picnic set you posted, could it be any cuter seriously.
I know that picnic set is gorgeous! Have ordered it for one of my girls. They also have a little red tea set that I've ordered as well. So dangerous!
The chart is great, and I'm sure you will get heaps out of it if you win!
Good luck!
The chart looks great, I like it can be re-used and maybe the one thing we want to tackle most is toilet training and the idea of rewarding as you go is great.
Loving the look of the charts, such a wonderful idea!
What a great giveaway, my niece would love these for xmas, Plushka is cute and the growth charts are a welcome idea!!! thankyou for a chance
Love the idea of this chart! Thanks for the opporunity to win!
You're welcome and good luck!
such cute toys
I like the chart idea – visuals work well for us.
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I imagine they would.
It's a great chart. Good luck!
What a lovely take on a reward chart. It is quite similar to the reward system in place at my daughter's school and it really seems to help children feel empowered by their choices. Would love to have one at home for all of the children.
They are fantastic! Worked really well for us. Good luck!
Oh I love this chart, especially that you can choose from such a great range of positive traits and that you can chart two people together. I actually want to take part with my daughter on some behaviours to show example and share with her, and to get my head in gear as it were. Things have been tough lately and I could do with earning stars for patience and not shouting. Thanks Jess & Sarah for the chance to win
You're welcome, a d good luck!
Jess Newman
essentiallyjess.com
I've got my eye on the very cute owl. Everything is great though.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Oh that owl is gorgeous isn't it!
Good luck!
Great post!
This chart is a lovely idea. Our hope is to bring up independent, kind and caring children so this chart would be fantastic. This would also be great to use for a teaching resource too.
Great teaching resource!
Good luck
Jess Newman
essentiallyjess.com
Oh, I hope its easier to use than a sticker chart! We need one here, but I suck at making them!
So much easier so long as you don't have a toddler who walks away with the magnets
tweeted (@sconeonamission)
I also love that the chart encourages kids to take responsibility for their own actions, extends their emotional vocabulary and awareness. Super.
Me too. That's so important.
Good luck!
Magnetic chart is a fantastic idea! Very cool
It really is
Good luck!
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