Game Changer

Since starting back to school we've had a major game changer around our house.  Nick got the bug to get the little people in our house moving and more responsible. I totally agreed...I'm just not the type to set a structured chore chart or plan.  As usual I had good intentions almost a year ago and I bought what I thought might get us all going the right direction.  Some of my friends here in Doha had mentioned success with the Accountable Kids system.  So for almost a year, I let my little investment sit in the closet because it sounded like more work than convenience.  

So before Nick came up with his own creative ;) chore plan we pulled out the brand new, yet old Accountable Kids box.  And we haven't been the same since.  Its never too late but I'm a little ashamed that we weren't already expecting more from the boys. They're FULLY CAPABLE.  Now they know what we expect and they're really motivated.  I'm doing a lot less nagging, that's for sure!!  This little program is customizable and actually the perfect fit for this unorganized/unstructured mama!  Life is easier and the usual daily "to-do" lists are actually being accomplished by the little people rather than mommy and daddy. 

The boys are rewarded for completing their morning and evening chores with tickets that can be redeemed for special privileges (anything fun and but mostly screen time at our house).  They collect tickets each day and at any point those tickets can be taken away as discipline or a consequence for a bad decision.  So far so good!  There are rewards for all kinds of great behaviors and choices.  Once the boys have completed 10 perfect days of chores, they earn a date with mom or dad.  And extra tickets can be turned in for money at the end of the week.  The specific chores are all included in the kit and they grow with the kids for years and years. We're using the early ones and as they get older we'll add more difficult chores.  And I especially love the spiritual priority throughout the chores.  Scripture, prayer, quiet times, etc...  

This system should actually be called Accountable Mommies...its keeps us on track and the Lord knows I need that!  Its been an awesome tool...I'm sorry I waited so long and thought it would complicate things. 

Obviously we highly recommend this little set up. 

Just few pics of the action and our little worker bees.  Don't get me wrong there's still some complaining and procrastinating but the expectations are set and its no surprise to anyone.

 

These little peg boards hang in a central location and the boys use it to keep track of their responsibilities. Everything is here. Mommy and Daddy manage the tickets and rewards but the rest is theirs to handle.  We're suppose to personalize the boards but haven't done that yet.