I meant to post this yesterday, but my computer is on the verge of dying. It keeps freezing up or restarting itself for no apparent reason. It makes me SO FRUSTRATED. I was proofing photos yesterday and it quit on me once while unloading them and another time while proofing them. I just gave up. I’m really scared that it’s going to just self-destruct and all my work will be lost. We are backing it up, but I also fear that the back up drive will self-destruct just to spite me.
Anyway, I’m going to give it a shot today, we’ll see how long the computer cooperates.
Ready, begin.
It all revolves around these cute little jars. I went to a teacher store and bought the little tiddly winks or whatever they are (we’re calling them tokens) and the kids earn token for doing jobs and good behavior. Then, they can cash in their tokens for prizes.
So far, so good. I love that if they "buy" some tv time, they don’t complain when it’s time to turn it off. I love that they are actually excited to do extra jobs (sometimes) and especially that they’re not whining for TV or video games all the time. My standard answer is, Yes. But they don’t ask unless they’re willing to pay for it. It’s lovely. I don’t have to be the bad guy.
I worried that I’m teaching them to be greedy, but I actually think I’m teaching them about saving and budgeting. And let’s face it, people are ALWAYS motivated by greed. I don’t know of anyone that would take a job without getting paid for it, it’s how the real world works. I don’t dole out tokens for every single little thing, but I do find it’s a good motivator. 
Here’s the chart, click to make it bigger.
So, there you go. I share because I care.
13 Comments
Ok, does that read 10 tokes for 100 dollars?
Where can I get in for this?
Funny. I was thinking the same thing about the $100. Wait I just looked again. It’s a $1.00. Boy - I was ready to move to your house.
thats it.
its official.
im submitting you for mother of the year.
this i like.
i have been trying to do the token thing.
but the week at the condo threw it off.
how do you tell kids they have to earn/spend tokens with grandparents in the vicinity?
NOT possible.
but we’re home now and theres no one to save them.
muh hah hah.
What a great idea! So funny - i was going to comment on the $100, too, but I’m pretty sure it’s $1.00. LOL! any takers on the date w/ mom or dad?
LOVE this — thanks for sharing…now I’m off to find tokens and cute little jars!
What a great idea…and look at you, making the instructions all cute and everything.
AWESOME idea. I think i’m gonna steal it. And LOL at the 100$…that’s what I thought too, but quickly realized.
well first time for me to comment- but just wanted to say- AWESOME!
the $100 cracks me up though. did they totally drop their jaws on that one?! ha.
i totally agree w/ you. hope it continues to me a motivator. the older they get the more motivators and creative discipline they need- i totally believe that!
stick to your guns shannon!
Great idea! Hope you don’t mind if I “borrow” and implement this in my house. Off to buy the tokens and save some baby food jar!
What a great system! Love the baby food jars to keep them in!
COPYING THIS…I had read Rhonna’s post when it accidentally appeared on the Pub for 5 minutes (LOL) and meant to implement it but never did. I’m on it like white on rice!!
LOL..LOL! This is awesome! I am laughing because I read the list to say 10 tokens for $100.00 and I was like, WOW, why would they want any other priviledge? I just could not believe that they had to pay 30 for a date but only 10 for a hundred bucks. Then I looked closer. I’m such a dork! You are one great mama!!