I Get a Point for That!

Feeling frustrated with my boys' behavior, a couple weeks ago I instigated a point system. Every time they do something kind, obedient, helpful, or loving, they get a "point" (toothpick in a jar). Then we have "reward time," where they get candy or ice cream or dollar store toys if they have enough points. It took a couple days to catch on, but now it's working amazingly well. Most of the time now my boys are helpful, courteous, kind, and obedient without being reminded. It is giving them good habits. Some people might say you shouldn't bribe your children to be good, but until they're old enough to understand the finer points of the subtle benefits of being good, this more immediate gratification seems appropriate to me.

So, I was in the bathroom and Ellie was screaming her head off (she seems to think I should hold her all the time these days). Sam heard her and came upstairs to cheer her up. I saw him and told him thank you, then he said, "I get a point for that!" Sure, Sam.