Our Reward System

Right around the time that the boys went back to school, I decided to implement a reward system for them. I instantly thought of the whole sticker reward chart that I could do, but I wasn't exactly sold on the idea of stickers, because you can't take them away. I then remembered some of the many afternoons I spent at Tiffini's house, when they lived here, and the reward system she used for her kids; Marbles! The thought of marbles as a reward sounded perfect. Not only can they earn a marble quickly, but they can be taken away just as easy. The following day I was on a mission for marbles. I set perimeters with the boys; explained to them how they could earn one, told them how they could lose one and discussed what they could do when they reached a certain amount. Spencer and I struggled with deciding what constituted the boys earning a marble. His opinion is that there are certain aspects of behavior that should just be expected. My opinion is that certain behaviors need to have an incentive in order for those behaviors to become habit. So after mulling over and over here is the plan that we came up with as actions deserving a marble:

Austin: Making his bed in the morning; Coming home with a Mustang Award; Coming home at the end of the week with a green card from class; Putting effort into completing homework nicely; Sitting still and silent during scripture time; cleaning without being asked; and, any other special arrangements we make with him.

Cameron: Going all day without peeing in his underwear; Going all night without peeing in his bed; Sitting still and silent during scripture time; brushing his teeth; and, any other special arrangements we make with him.

So it has been about a month and a half since I started this new system and it has been working beautifully. I have never seen the boys so diligent in doing the things I ask of them. They want those marbles badly and having the threat of me taking one away has truly been a deterrent for them. I honestly believe that Austin must have gone to school and told his teacher and every duty aid around that he needs a Mustang Award, because comes home with two, sometimes three, a day. It is seriously crazy! Once the boys earn enough marbles (Austin 40 and Cameron 30) they get a trip to Walmart where they can buy a small pack of Lego's. Both of the boys are really into Lego's, and I figure a $10 box of Lego's once a month is worth it.