A good tip for getting kids to help ...

[MJwritestuff]

In the days (weeks and months too!) before a trip, I've found a perfect way to keep my kids from rolling their eyes when I ask them to do something.

I go the store and get ten dollars of Disney Dollars to start each off with, then I get another twenty-five Disney Dollars in ones. They each get an envelope with their name and the amount ($10) they have to spend in the parks. For the last month or so leading up to vacation, when I get really busy, especially the last week, I pay them Disney Dollars. This isn't for regular chores like making beds, but extra helpful things like taking the dog on long walks or scrubbing down the suitcases - things I wouldn't normally ask them to do. I find they are more than willing to help because they want those Disney Dollars!

It just seems to make the last few weeks go a bit smoother, and helps build their excitement. Plus, that way, when we are in the parks, they know they have "x" amount of dollars to spend, and no more. After all, I've already contributed my ten apiece for each kid. It eliminates any asking for "extras".

It worked great last year, and I am using it again this year. Just thought it might help!

Melissa

 

[Okiamae]

Great idea and Disney $ helps keep it saved for trip
I give my kids a set amount of souvenir $ also - then remind them when they beg me for something that they have their own money & to go ahead and buy it if they want to - it is amazing how often the reply is "Nah, I don't want to spend MY money on this" -

 

[CHIPSTER]

I do that with my nieces and nephews when I take them along. They are rewarded with Disney Dollars throughout the year for doing extra things.

Also, it is a family tradition to have an Easter Egg Hunt and one year when I took my two godchildren we did "Wheel of Disney" instead of Wheel of Fortune. We hid plastic eggs and inside we have slips of paper indicating what the prize is. If they had an egg with Wheel of Disney inside I had decorated envelopes with Mickey heads, had them taped to a wall in a circle in my family room and each had a letter spelling out Wheel of Disney. Inside were Disney Dollars or little gift coupons for a free popcorn, ice cream, etc. The kids loved it!