We all know there are various disciplinary methods out there that we try to use to enforce good behavior, respect, and well-being in our children. And we all know that no one method works for the Johnsons any better than for the Smiths, and that every method is short-lived and needed to be changed once the novelty of its rewards wear off. You have kids. You've tried them all, right? Beads in the jar, check marks on the chart, positive feedback versus negative, and so on.
I grew tired of the chaos we endured every weekday morning before school. I decided to take my home back and to try a new method to reinforce good behavior. At least until the kids grow tired of it, at which time, I will have to try yet another method.
I printed out charts for each child, and on each day, he could earn a point for doing basic, necessary things such as getting dressed, brushing his teeth, making his bed, tidying his room, and so on. At the end of the week, the points are added up and a reward is given based on the number he achieves. Tier 1 earns him a grand prize, such as a sleepover, movie, one-on-one special activity with a parent. Tier 2 earns him a mystery prize, tier 3 a dollar store prize, and tier 4 nothing. He also has to avoid getting three strikes, which if he earns that many within one week, he earns a weekend afternoon in his bedroom.
Last week was our first week, so naturally, the boys were enthusiastic about it and eager to earn the prize at the end of the week. Tommy and Joey each earned 2 strikes, and Christopher earned none. The method really doesn't apply to Jeffrey, although he has his own chart and by the time he is old enough to comprehend how it works, we will probably be well onto another one. Tommy and Christopher each earned enough points for a mystery prize, while Joey earned enough for a dollar store prize.
When I returned home from work last night, I handed out the prizes. Not to my surprise, the only one not thrilled with his was Tommy. Honestly, I think no matter what he got, he wouldn't have been happy. So we're not even into the second week, and he has decided he is not going to participate and he doesn't care about not earning a prize. So much for that tactic. And he is primarily the reason we were trying the method in the first place!
I'm ready to call the 800 number for the Total Transformation disciplinary guide that is guaranteed to work. Who's with me?
Now, I have to run to his school to drop off his backpack because for some reason beyond my comprehension, he boarded the bus this morning without it and left it at the top of the driveway. Makes you wonder what he was up to, doesn't it?
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