Positive Reinforcement.
Every now and then I have to regroup as a mom. Things start to get crazy. Kids stop cooperating. Everyone seems to be unhappy and crying all the time. So when this happens I try to think... what am I doing wrong? It is a hard thing to think... it is easier to put the blame on the grumpy kids- right? So, this is what I recently had to do. I decided that I am constantly correcting my kids. Telling them what to do. Telling them everything they are doing wrong. This ALWAYS ends badly (me yelling, kids crying, everyone unhappy). I decided last Sunday that I needed to give them some positive reinforcement.
I bought a jar. And some cotton balls.
Every time my kids say something nice, do something nice, obey, clean up, etc. they get a cotton ball. They sure LOVE those cotton balls. Evan will do ANYTHING for a cotton ball. I love it. Even Kiah (who never got into sticker charts) loves it. She actually helps us clean up now. With no tears. It is wonderful.
We try to fill up the jar once a day, but so far it has been every other day. When it is full they get a treat. Yesterday they got an ice cream cone. They were thrilled.
What I love about this is it helps me. Not only do the kids need to obey and be nice, but I have to remember to reward them. This makes a happier mom, happier kids, a happier dad and a happier home :)
We love our cotton ball jar.
6 comments:
What a great idea! I think I'm going to try it. I could definitely use a day without tears during clean up time. Thanks for the share.
You are so smart. That's a great idea. When they get tired of that, get something new. You're such a good mom!
Cute idea maybe I will try it.
What a fun idea! Sylvia will help a little bit around the house, typically only with things that she likes. Perhaps if there's some positive reinforcement on the chores she isn't so keen on (like cleaning up) she'll be more likely to do finish.
LOve that. Rock on to that. You rock. (:
Love, love this idea!
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