I'm thinking of making up a reward chart for DS1. I've got no idea where to start exactly, but that's not really the point of my post. I just want a realistic idea of what to expect ... is it even worth the effort, or do I continue with time out?

DS1 has just turned 3. He's not what I'd call naughty, but he's becoming increasingly defiant. I know it's age appropriate, which is "excusable" to some extent. But I'm at the point where I think he should be cooperating with some fairly easy requests - pick up your toys or books, play nicely with your brother (as opposed to laying on top of him and/or restraining him by his hand or foot ). At 3, I would think they are capable of some logic - action/reaction; consequences? Maybe I'm expecting too much?

Some of our bigger issues are trying to encourage him to go to the toilet (... don't get me started on toilet training, or lack of) and getting him to sleep the night through in his bed, rather than sneaking into mum and dad's bed nightly. I suspect these issues might be worthy of their own reward charts ... I should probably concentrate on the "easily achieveable" rewards first, huh?

So tell me, do you use a reward chart and do you think it has a positive impact on your child's behaviour? What do you use as rewards?

I'm not expecting a reward chart to bring about miracles and I certainly don't expect DS1 to behave every minute of the day - he is 3, after all - I'll pick my battles. But I'd love to be able to curb the rising streak of defiance and uncooperation.

DH and I try to praise the good behaviour and ignore the bad behaviour ... but it's not always easy to do, and we find we're not 100pc consistent at various reasons. I thought a reward chart might be good for us as parents too - remind or encourage us to be more consistent.

Hmmm ... just caught DS2 laying all over DS1. Revenge or reward chart x 2?