I am learning the art of bribery, but we'll just call it positive reinforcement to make me feel better. I made a little sticker chart this morning and told the kids that as soon as we got five stickers we could go to the park.
Sticker #1 Everyone (including me) has to be dressed.
Sticker #2 Everyone has to eat all of their breakfast and clean up their place at the table after they're done.
Sticker #3 Everyone has to do one chore. Etc.... We were at the park by 10am!! We might try some more bribing
urr... positive reinforcement tomorrow.
I think I'm finally getting the hang of having 5 kids. I know that there are lots of moms who do home daycare who probably have more than five kids. But I don't view my gang as a daycare situation. Emma, Abby and Nate know that my house is their home too. They still come when they're sick, they get baths here if they need them, they have clothes and toys here, they invite their friends to come play here, if we go to Walmart and Christian gets a toy then everyone gets something, etc. And I want us to be able to go and do things like any other family. I have no desire to stay home all the time, so we keep trying to have successful outings. I really want to take everyone strawberry picking, but I just haven't been brave enough yet. Plus it's been way too hot to have McKenna outside, so we'll see if it happens.
I am learning the art of bribery, but we'll just call it positive reinforcement to make me feel better. I made a little sticker chart this morning and told the kids that as soon as we got five stickers we could go to the park. Sticker #1 Everyone (including me) has to be dressed. Sticker #2 Everyone has to eat all of their breakfast and clean up their place at the table after they're done. Sticker #3 Everyone has to do one chore. Etc.... We were at the park by 10am!! We might try some more bribing urr... positive reinforcement tomorrow.
I think I'm finally getting the hang of having 5 kids. I know that there are lots of moms who do home daycare who probably have more than five kids. But I don't view my gang as a daycare situation. Emma, Abby and Nate know that my house is their home too. They still come when they're sick, they get baths here if they need them, they have clothes and toys here, they invite their friends to come play here, if we go to Walmart and Christian gets a toy then everyone gets something, etc. And I want us to be able to go and do things like any other family. I have no desire to stay home all the time, so we keep trying to have successful outings. I really want to take everyone strawberry picking, but I just haven't been brave enough yet. Plus it's been way too hot to have McKenna outside, so we'll see if it happens.
7 comments:
Bribery/positive re-enforcement is a beautiful thing at times. :) Judy, I was rejoicing as I read your post. I am so thankful that Amy and the children have you, Ryan and Christian in their lives and close by. I am thankful for the grace God is giving you. May He continue to bless your days with His goodness and peace. Anna :)
You are such an amazing Mom, Judy. You are so incredibly giving of yourself. Keep making the adventures happen, it will get better with each one... no matter how you get there (stickers, bribes, paying them!) You just have to get out sometimes!
lol, love it!!! you are such a great person to be with all the kids all the time. may God bless you abundantly for being such a willing vessel. and hey, i use bribes too :)
what ever works! I think of things like as "self preservation"...what ever works!
what ever works! I think of things like as "self preservation"...what ever works!
I LOVE the first two pictures of this post. They're so awesome!!!
you're doing awesome Judy. I know wha ta blessing you are to Amy and to her kids - you are a shining example of the fruits of the spirit - and showing those fruits to the kids is the best kind of teaching! And as for rewards, I'm all for 'em!!
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