This was inspired in big part by the constant bombardment of Liam asking to play the Wii ALL DAY LONG. I can't take it anymore. Opening day of the system was brought on by Liam waking me up at 6:30 am saying, "Mom, can I play the Wii? Mom, I'm ready to get up so can I play the Wii? I never got to today." That's because it's 6:30 in the morning crazy-face. That's not what I actually said. Here's what was actually said.
Me: Liam, starting today you can only play the Wii if you pay me a ticket.
Liam (with big eyes and raised eyebrows): But how do I get a ticket?
Me: You earn them.
Liam (with a slightly more intense tone): But how do I earn them?
Me: Well, you do things around the house that are helpful.
Liam (almost yelling): Like what?
Me: Like get dressed in the morning. (an easy one)
Liam (yelling with glee): I GOT DRESSED!!
He realized he had just scored. This is basically a hand out for Liam because he pops out of bed at full speed every morning and is dressed in 5 seconds. So I promptly handed over a ticket. I told him he could also put his pajamas in the hamper and brush his teeth and he whizzed through those tasks for two more tickets. I explained the whole system and when I told him about the Momma Store he was very intrigued. However, he has no will power to save tickets. In the first day he earned 7 tickets and spent 7 tickets. Sweet Hayden was playing along with us too. She earned 4 tickets and spent none of them. Classic.
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| earning tickets putting silverware away |
Liam is super in to earning tickets right now. We have made a shift from the never ending question of "Can I play the Wii?" to "Can I have a ticket?" Still driving me a little crazy but at least spurring little hands on to be productive. I'll keep you posted on the Momma Store's grand opening.
Here's where I got the idea: http://www.tipjunkie.com/chore-charts/
