BUTTONS!

After seeing this idea on a friends blog I thought I had to give it a try. I found these canisters on ebay - they are actually magnetic spice containers, but the slit in the top is perfect for slipping buttons through! We have our house rules and button redemption sheet right on the fridge so they can be reminded all the time of what is expected and what they can get in return. I also put their daily job sheets on the fridge as well, with button values attached to everything. When they do something that is expected of them they earn a certain number of buttons. If they want to do anything extra (TV, video games, extra play dates, movie nights etc) they get to "pay" for it with buttons. So far Luke wants to spend them as fast as he earns them, but Michael is catching onto the concept of saving up for something bigger! If they do something on their list without even being asked I reward them with an extra button. But, if they break a house rule it's off to time-out and buttons lost (depending on the offense) For example, yesterday Michael slapped Luke because he wanted to sit in a certain spot in the car - so he automatically lost 5. No warnings for stuff like that! But, Luke was very nice with his sister yesterday and played so well with her that he earned some extra buttons. This has been helping to keep them nice more often because they never know when mom will whip out some more buttons! Michael also has been having some attention and focusing issues at school, so we have been sending a progress sheet everyday. If he can do well in school and get all his assignments in and done on time, he will be rewarded at home too. I'm hoping this system is here to stay! So far it's going ok - they are having a hard time not getting to watch TV when they want, and they aren't really that happy about having to "Earn" the time for TV or video games, but I think they will get the hang of it and the behavior will be a lot better and I"ll get more help around the house!