LITTLE RASCALS
Do you ever have a hard time getting your little rascals to do what you want them to? I do. Last winter I came up with a system that worked better than anything I've tried before. I called it "Points for Privileges" and it worked REALLY well for awhile, and probably would still be successful if I wasn't so lazy. My kids are part of a ski club and they absolutely love it. So I decided to torment them a bit by threatening to take it away--under the facade of them having to earn the privilege of going. If that last sentence made sense to anyone, I'm amazed. Anyway, they had to earn points by doing certain responsibilities around the house and if they had enough points on Friday they could go. Boy did they perform! I think it worked so well because they actually BELIEVED they determined their own fate. They were accountable to themselves, not to be me--beautiful. Here's what it looked like:
I realized after the first week that I had made it a little too hard (requiring too many points at end of week) but I adjusted it and it worked fine. Another cool thing about this idea is they track their own progress daily with a tally mark. They really got into this--especially my five year old. I taped both papers to the side of the fridge so they could easily see what was required and glance at the points they were earning each day. I am definitely going to start this again. I think the key is-- they have to want the privilege, otherwise they pretty much could care less. I think I'll hang summer camp over their head next....
What works for you?
8 comments:
We are just entering the chores phase, so far just the threat of no bedtime stories has worked but I am sure that will fade out. I love your tracking system idea...I just need to think of a non-toy or candy carrot to dangle.
Ha ha we are commenting at the same time, I just clicked back. AWESOME I made your sidebar, I was just thinking of adding you to mine so I wouldn't have to go through Kristi's blog.
http://childlitbookclub.blogspot.com/
the above is a great link for kids book ideas.
i am just shocked that prayers are worth one point and the piano is worth two! Come on, does dad know that? No for real though, I think that is a GREAT idea! Something I will do when I have my own. It puts you and the kid in charge, which is what every kid wants. You go girl!
That is totally awesome!! I am going to somehow implement that with my daughter. With a 3 year old though, I might have to do less points for things. BTW, my niece checked out of her school library, The Spider and the Fly and I LOVED it!! Thank you for sharing that book and ideas!!
Tear! I made it on your list of friends on the side bar!!
Hi, I linked here from Elisa's (my sis) blog. I read your comment on good books for 8-10 yr olds. Since I have a 9 year old I think I can help...She must read the Spiderwick Chronicles, Chronicles of Narnia, Ella Enchanted, The Little Gymnast, Daphne's Book, Beauty, The Ordinary Princess, A Dog's Life, and Fairest. If any of those titles sound fun then I can get you the authors. In the meantime I'm sure a general search at Deseret Book will do the trick.
Great, helpful suggestions. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I have a question for you! Do you have any favorite picture frame collage/arrangement to put on a wall? I have a new office and have a blank wall and have a ton of family pictures I would like to put up, but not sure how to arrange. I can make the pictures sizes any size I want, so curious to see if you had any suggestions?
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