Keeping my kids in line.... how long will this last?

[Papa Deuce]

I started a "stamp and sticker" program for them. If they behave or help out, they get a stamp or a sticker. When they get enough they can change them in for money. They are getting close to five years old.

I have been doing this for about 3 months and it works INCREDIBLY well, especially when I say I will take a sticker or a stamp away for bad behavior.

I already feel like it has lasted way longer than I thought it would. Think it can last much longer?

I sure hope so!

 

[dg39]

I do hope it lasts a long time, but, as a mother of adult children you still have years 6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17, and 18 to deal with. Hopefully, you'll come up with something that works for those years. And if you do, let me know as I have a 12 yr. old also.

 

[disykat]

It sounds like you've got a great system going, but hopefully it won't NEED to last too much longer. With any good behavior mod system the idea is to gradually use it less and less until you really don't need it - and then keep it stored away to reinstitute as a refresher when needed.

 

[Pam]

It will probably last until your daughters wake up in the middle of the night and discover you "borrowing" some of their money so you can buy an extra large Mocha Grande at Starbucks. Then all heck will break loose....

They will hide their money and become rebellious. They will charge you interest in the form of extra stickers.

They will set up elaborate ****y-traps comprised of marbles, lots of string, Legos, and naked Barbries to catch you trying to pilfer from them again.

When they misbheave and you threaten to take away some of their stickers - they will remind you that you "stole" off of them. They will tell their teachers, the postman, your insurance agent, and the preacher of your misconduct.

 

[Sandcass]

It sounds like you've got a great system going, but hopefully it won't NEED to last too much longer. With any good behavior mod system the idea is to gradually use it less and less until you really don't need it - and then keep it stored away to reinstitute as a refresher when needed.

This is exactly what I was going to say. I occasionally used these kinds of things to encourage my kids behavior, but you shouldn't need to forever. The goal is for them to learn what's appropriate behavior and for it to become natural for them. I would try to stop this current system. See how they do.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

I wish I would have done something like that when my kids were younger.
Not that they are really bad, but they definetly could be better!

 

[Papa Deuce]

I wish I would have done something like that when my kids were younger.
Not that they are really bad, but they definetly could be better!

I can't take any credit for the idea. I saw something similar implemented at my kid's daycare. I just adapted it to them.

 

[FullStride]

It will probably last until your daughters wake up in the middle of the night and discover you "borrowing" some of their money so you can buy an extra large Mocha Grande at Starbucks. Then all heck will break loose....

They will hide their money and become rebellious. They will charge you interest in the form of extra stickers.

They will set up elaborate ****y-traps comprised of marbles, lots of string, Legos, and naked Barbries to catch you trying to pilfer from them again.

When they misbheave and you threaten to take away some of their stickers - they will remind you that you "stole" off of them. They will tell their teachers, the postman, your insurance agent, and the preacher of your misconduct.

 

[Grendalynn]

You know its so funny you are talking about this... My Mom, a 7th grade reading teacher, and I were just talking about the "Points System" the other day. While I am all for it and see it as rewards, some see it as "bribery" and think that kids should do things that are asked of them because it is the rules or because its what is expected of them. Try explaining THAT to a 3 year old!

Anyway - My mom was saying that she uses this "incentive" with the number of books that her students read and if they get their assignments in on time... They get a sticker! She said you would be amazed at how many 12 and 13 year olds are addicted to earning those sparkely stickers! She has never had such a successful incentive plan before! We do the same thing here at home now with my 2 boys - we have a Mickey Mouse chart and earn Disney Points! Bribery or not - if it keeps DS3 from misbehaving - then so be it!