Capable Kids

So, I have some exciting news to share. This week in our home we reintroduced our "chore charts." That may sound dull to you, but to me it's a big "WoooHoooo"!!  See, I've had three kids picking up after themselves, helping with the dishes, laundry, sweeping and more - and all with a great attitude. Literally, I've heard, "Mom, do you have anything you need me to help you with?" This makes life so much nicer, more pleasant, more peaceful, and seriously helps with my work load.  It also motivates me to keep up on my part of the chores, because I have to do my part (like rinse the dishes and load the dishwasher) for them to do their part (empty the dishwasher and put dishes away).

I have my friend Allison to thank for this minor miracle involving my miracles.  She got me set up with these cute chore boards that help the kids see what they need to do each day, and be self motivated to get it done.

Now, I have a confession to make - I am bribing my kids. When they complete their chores each day, they get a certain amount of tokens. And we have a family token store, where they can spend their tokens on things they like. They are currently working toward a Leakless truck, and a Chick Hicks Pitty. (If you don't know what those are, you haven't been keeping up with the Disney/Pixar marketing spin off from the CARS movie.) I generally am against bribery, which is why we had to re-introduce the chore boards. Last time we tried it, they were working toward family outings to places like the beach or the family fun center.  It all fizzled because I made the prices too high, and they lost interest before they earned anything.

So, this time, I decided to make it fast and furious. Toys they're drooling over at prices they can't resist. It will only take them two short weeks to earn the thing they've been begging for every time we pass it in the store aisle.  They even asked me for chores on a Saturday so that they could earn tokens today. I'm loving it. Playing with Abby as I watch Josiah wash windows. Its outstanding.

Now, back to the bribery thing. . . I'm a little stuck, and open to advice. . . as to how to dig myself out of the hole I'm in. I realize it's a hole of my own making, and that by doing it this way I'm teaching my kids that they deserve to GET something for doing chores that should be a part of our everyday routine.  So far, here is my rationale - If we get in the habit of doing chores, we will keep doing chores. If we keep doing chores, I can start to make the prices higher and the prizes fewer and farther between. If they learn the ethic of a job well done, and then play hard together, perhaps it will start to build some internal motivation. . . We'll see.  I'll keep you posted on how it works.

In the meantime - I have a farmer husband who is gone from approx. 8am to 8pm Monday thru Saturday - and this bribery is making our summer schedule livable, so I'm going to stick with it until school starts up again and then take an assessment of where we're at. I'll let you know.

Jen :)