I think things come in phases. I really do. But still, when dealing with a not-so-fun phase, I have to try to find a way to remedy it while it lasts.
So, in comes the Kind Jar. The girls had been fighting and being mean to each other more than usual. (this was before the broken leg) So I came up with a plan. Every time either one of them did something kind to the other, I (or Daddy) awarded them a Kind M&M to be placed in the Kind Jar. When they (combined) collected 20 M&M's in the Kind Jar, they were then rewarded with a trip to Project Yogurt with their M&M's to share on top of their yogurt. The only 'catch'? They could not ask for a M&M, they could not point out any kind behavior...it had to come completely noticed by Mom or Dad. It took a while, but they finally reached their designated 20 M&M's yesterday.
And yes, that is a Scentsy warmer I am using to track their numbers. Don't judge. It serves its purpose. Its the decorate your own one, which happens to also use dry erase markers. ;)
So off we went to Project Yogurt where they got to pick out their own yogurt, their own toppings, and then split the 20 M&M's to also go on top of their yogurt. They were sooo excited to reach their mark. (and it just so happened it was the night of Brooke's dance class, so hence the ballet outfit ;)
And now, we start over again. :) Is it working you ask? Well, yes, I do think so. They still are having some moments, but overall, they are being much nicer to each other than they had been just a few short weeks ago.
4 comments:
As a psychologist, I am loving this idea! B.F. Skinner would be very impressed with your use of positive reinforcement :) That was a dorky comment, but seriously, I love this :)
I so agree with you on the phases thing. But, you might have just saved my life. My kids are going through a similar phase, and when I suggested they try this, they were so excited. I figure it's worth it to shell out just a couple of bucks if they will be nice to each other, rather than pulling out my hair constantly!
I'll let you know how it goes. But Colby asked, "What if we do 100 kind things?" I said, "then we'll go to Spoons 5 times!" They thought that was the coolest thing ever! (Even though we'll just go after they get to 20... but the way Colby works, he'll be counting to 100.) :P Thanks again for the idea. You are a lifesaver!
It's funny you should blog about this b/c I just took pictures of our "marble jar" that serves a similar purpose! The boys fill up their marble jar for various reasons - taking dishes to the sink, feeding our dog, being kind, etc. and when they fill it up they get a treat - ice cream, movie, etc. They are watching star wars right now while I catch up on email :) !!
Lauren - I'm so glad B.F. Skinner would approve. LOL! No, but seriously..thanks! I try to think of some different stuff sometimes. :)
Jenna - good luck! I hope it works, but I bet it will. Or at least for a while anyway. The first one to get is the hardest. Then when they figure it out and all, its all downhill. And its also cool b/c its like they are working together to get it to 20! :)
Jenny - I'm glad its working for you too! Actually I was going to use marbles, but was too cheap to go and buy some and we had M&Ms laying around, so this idea was born with getting to go get yogurt! They love it.
And PS - Brad would be so jealous that you let your kids watch Star Wars...he's just waiting to introduce Brooke to it. ;P
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