So Sherronda and I were talking about how we walk through our houses and always see something that needs to be done, but we're already doing something else and end up forgetting about the other thing. Sherronda joked about just having a hat set out to drop chores in as she walks by it.
That led to this idea.
And, by golly, it actually works!
Get a Kleenex box (do I really need to tell you to make sure it's empty) and decorate it in a kid-appealing way.
Cut strips of colorful paper and write either a chore or a reward on each one. Include a time limit with each.
Fold them up and put them in the box, have the kids take turns pulling one sheet out. Whatever they pull, set the timer for the allotted time and watch them scramble. If they get the chore done before time is up, that time gets added to the next activity/chore chosen. If they don't finish it in time, then it goes back in the box to get pulled again.
TRICKS:
color/decorations: the kids think it's a toy or a game.
the whole "choice" thing: makes em think they're actually controlling what they do (ha!)
time limits: they don't take all damn day on one thing (especially the rewards)
chores vs rewards: the element of surprise. They never know if what they pull out will be work or play. Also, they'll do chores more quickly so they can have that time built up, and so they can hurry back and pick again to see if they'll get something better.
EXAMPLES:
Make bed :07
Get out laundry :03
Dance off 1 song
Clean bathroom :10
Put books on shelves NEATLY DAMMIT :08
Karaoke :10
Then, when they're doing the last chore, slip a super extra awesome reward in the box to get pulled last, like Wii play time or pizza for dinner or some shit they really get stupid over.
This works with the kids, every time. The only bad thing (as Sherronda predicted when I shot the idea at her) is that most days, I don't feel like doing it. It's kind of a pain in the ass to supervise, and it's hard trying to get my stuff done. . . hmm, maybe I should make a Magic Box for me.
And don't ask me why we call it that, it's something the Princess came up with.
I'll be revising the box soon. Our pretty purple one has somehow been syruped. Sigh. I really need to start locking up the kitchen at night.
That led to this idea.
And, by golly, it actually works!
Get a Kleenex box (do I really need to tell you to make sure it's empty) and decorate it in a kid-appealing way.
 |
| Duct Tape is freakin tie-dyed now---how awesome is that?! |
Cut strips of colorful paper and write either a chore or a reward on each one. Include a time limit with each.
 |
| and don't be trying to pick "The Neverending Story"or some other 1000 page bullshit. We're doing "When Dog Was Little" |
Fold them up and put them in the box, have the kids take turns pulling one sheet out. Whatever they pull, set the timer for the allotted time and watch them scramble. If they get the chore done before time is up, that time gets added to the next activity/chore chosen. If they don't finish it in time, then it goes back in the box to get pulled again.
TRICKS:
color/decorations: the kids think it's a toy or a game.
the whole "choice" thing: makes em think they're actually controlling what they do (ha!)
time limits: they don't take all damn day on one thing (especially the rewards)
chores vs rewards: the element of surprise. They never know if what they pull out will be work or play. Also, they'll do chores more quickly so they can have that time built up, and so they can hurry back and pick again to see if they'll get something better.
EXAMPLES:
Make bed :07
Get out laundry :03
Dance off 1 song
Clean bathroom :10
Put books on shelves NEATLY DAMMIT :08
Karaoke :10
Then, when they're doing the last chore, slip a super extra awesome reward in the box to get pulled last, like Wii play time or pizza for dinner or some shit they really get stupid over.
This works with the kids, every time. The only bad thing (as Sherronda predicted when I shot the idea at her) is that most days, I don't feel like doing it. It's kind of a pain in the ass to supervise, and it's hard trying to get my stuff done. . . hmm, maybe I should make a Magic Box for me.
And don't ask me why we call it that, it's something the Princess came up with.
I'll be revising the box soon. Our pretty purple one has somehow been syruped. Sigh. I really need to start locking up the kitchen at night.
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