Coins

We've had some continuing problems with having to ask the kids to do things that they should be doing out of habit and having to repeat ourselves over and over again.  Mac's "listening ears" are worse then Emily's but we are so tired of nagging and sounding like a broken record.  As we searched for ways to help improve behaviors I recalled how a friend of mine had mentioned something was doing to help with some behaviors.  After getting the skinny from her we decided to try something similar and started Monday.  Essentially we've made a list of things/behaviors kids can earn chips (using poker chips) for, loose chips for and ways to "spend" their chips for fun things.  The kids were super excited to try and we've had two pretty successful days.  It feels good not to have to nag, I just say go get me a chip.  We had the kids help us create the list and of course in addition to fun things like TV time, computer time, going to the frozen yogurt shop the kids wanted to be able to get something from time to time at the store. 

Mac has his eye on an outdoor adventure book for boys, so we told him it was 15 chips so he's been working hard to get those chips, today he reached 15 chips and couldn't wait to get the book.  Emily also had about the same amount of chips and while at the store today saw a nightgown set with one of her and a matching one for a baby doll on clearance.  So she asked if she could have it, I told her she'd have to give me 10 chips for it.  She thought about it a while then said she would.  So both have used most of their chips...ended up loosing the rest before bed.  But so far it's working, I'm sure the novelty will wear off but hoping we can develop some good habits from it!