We have, yet again, embarked on a new discipline/rewards program around here. We've tried chore charts, marble jars (they got marbles for doing good; get them taken away for bad; over and over all day long and earned a prize when the jar was full), and other things that I can't remember anymore... but so far this latest one is working out great! The coins are actually poker chips but the word "chip" didn't translate correctly so we're calling them coins. Hubs came up with this original idea and together we worked out the details. The beauty of it is that unlike the marbles, they only get their coins once at the end of every day (much easier to stick with). And, the rewards are all fun things that they love and are mostly activity-oriented rather than "stuff"-oriented (they're not getting new toys - which they have 5 bazillion of already).
Once school started again after Christmas break, we started noticing a little bit of attitude around here... more back-talking, sluggishness on chores, not wanting to do homework, etc. Since we started this new program, last week, the kids really seem to be making an effort -- thinking about what they say and speaking more kindly, trying to think of ways to help out around the house, etc. Yesterday I accidentally knocked a box of Rice Krispies off the shelf and a handful of them spilled on the floor... immediately Noah jumped up and said, "I'll sweep those up, Mom!" Let me tell you, that was a first!!
We have this little "poster" on the fridge so the kids know what they can earn; Noah and Molly are going to save their coins until they get a campout. What a fun goal huh?
Thursday, January 24, 2008
In case you're in need of a new idea...
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8 comments:
That's a cute and fun idea! I guess one nice thing about having kids last in our families is seeing how things like this work. Your kids are great- I'm sure they'll be going on a campout with Aaron before you know it!
Tiffany
This is a great idea! I'm a bit confused about the order of the numbers next to the colored coins, but I think I'd like to try it... I'll email you for the details- I think it's just the thing we need!
We've been having a similar issue at our house. We had FHE the other night to talk about "the family laws". When we need a new plan, I think this will be it. Thanks
The numbers mean how many you need of that color to earn those things. So it costs 6 reds for a campout; which is the same as 30 blues or 150 whites... they seem to be getting an average of 2 whites a day so it will take about a month and a half to earn the campout. Then they'll pay us their 6 reds and start over!
Oh my goodness. What happened over Christmas break? My kids used to LOVE doing their chores, and now I can't think of any incentive to get them to do anything. And Tyson has a major attitude problem. It's driving me crazy.
This idea is great. I have been trying to come up with some sort of system, but I haven't yet. So I will probably steal some version of this. Of course our rewards will be much different. It's fun to see the things your kids value in comparison to what would get my kids motivated. For example, mine would NEVER choose a sleepover. They'd rather get an hour of playstation time or something.
ANYWAY.. longest comment ever... thanks for doing the hard work and letting us all copy. Just like we copied the marbles. :)
You've done it again, SP! You are like the most creative person ever. I seriously find myself wondering what YOU would do in certain situations!! Thanks for being an awesome sis-in-law!
What a cute program I love it.
Love it. When my kids get old enough I will definately remember this one. What an awesome mom you are!
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