Kamryn grins to herself as she walks into the kitchen and catches sight of the sticker chart. Another one has been added overnight, probably because of her good behavior yesterday, and now she’s only one more sticker away from being rewarded.

She’d been a little hesitant when JJ first presented the chart, but Kam had soon found that the mere idea of a reward had motivated her much more than punishments ever did. Prevention instead of a cure, Mommy had called it. A more positive way to help her through each day and to ensure that Kam wants to complete her chores and manage her time a lot better.

Her finger taps against the ninth sticker in the neat little row, damn near giddy as she realizes that the tenth can be earned today if she tries really hard.

“I figured it wouldn’t take you too long to notice,” JJ chuckles as she walks into the room, an empty mug clutched in her hand as she comes looking for seconds. She kisses Kam’s cheek, “good morning, baby girl. I didn’t think you were ever gonna wake up.”

“Well, you did tire me out last night, Mommy,” Kam shrugs.

JJ throws a grin over her shoulder as she pours herself some more coffee, “consider it an extra incentive to be a good girl today. Who knows,” she wiggles her brows and sits at the table, “maybe that tenth sticker will even unlock the toy box that you’re always so eager to choose from.”

Kam freezes, her eyes wide as dish plates as her cheeks shine the brightest of pinks.

“I’m gonna vacuum!”

She rushes from the room and heads straight for the hall closet, pausing only when Mommy catches up with her and gently closes her hand around Kam’s wrist. “You don’t want me to vacuum?” Kam frowns, confused that JJ would stop her from completing her chores.

“It’s not your turn to vacuum, darling,” JJ smiles gently. “You’re only expected to do the chores assigned to you and Saturdays are my vacuum days.” She glances over her shoulder, “if you check the chart, you’ll see that you have a free day today, baby.”