So far, so good ...

Recently we have gotten VERY sick of our kids not listening and/or complaining when we ask them to do something. It was getting to the point that we were putting them back in time out, which we haven't done for probably a year with them. They complained mercilessly when I started making them get dressed before breakfast a few weeks ago. (I did this because otherwise they would eat breakfast and then play and not get ready for school.)

Anyway, my friend Heidi was devising a system where she used bucks w/her kids' pictures on them. I was going to wait for her to tweak the system and give me her advice, but I got impatient and created my own kids' bucks and system.

Tyler bucks:


Zachary bucks:


Becca bucks:


Shayla bucks:


Last night I sat the boys down and briefly explained the system. They get a buck for getting ready for school in the morning -- getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth and putting jackets and backpacks by the door. They get an extra buck if they get dressed without complaint (since this has been a sore spot lately). They also get an extra buck if they complete all of these items by 8:35 a.m.

I have created a chart with the various ways they can earn bucks -- doing their daily chores, setting the table, doing homework, getting their teeth brushed and p.j.'s on in 10 minutes or less, going to bed without playing or talking, etc.

Each buck is worth 15 minutes watching TV, playing the Game Cube or playing on the computer. Each boy has the capability of earning 8 bucks per day ... unless they're really good and earn bonuses.

Becca's bucks are a little harder to earn -- she only has four opportunities to earn them: being ready for scripture study on time, doing her daily chore, a bonus one for not having to be reminded to do her chore, and dishes. (Her extras come from babysitting, handing in all her homework, and using a kind voice w/her siblings.) However, her bucks are worth 30 minutes each. I'm especially glad about having the bucks for her now since she's been having some fun online with friends lately.

As for Shayla bucks, they're all for show so the little one doesn't feel left out. But aren't they the cutest bucks we've got? :)

So ...

How was our first test of the bucks? Magical. Wonderful. Best thing since sliced bread.

The boys went to bed last night quicker than they have in a long time -- there weren't even any last-minute "I need a drink" attempts. What about the morning, which was my main concern? They were up, dressed, and done with breakfast before I even came out of my bedroom for the day -- which happened at about 8:10 a.m. YES!!!

They received their bucks, which they also feel gives them a little bit of freedom. Zachary asked, "So we don't have to do our chore before playing the Game Cube?" I said, "No, but if you do your chore first you get a buck that lets you play for an extra 15 minutes." He thought that was SO COOL!

I'm sure the novelty will wear off a little as we move forward, but as long as they want to watch TV, play on the computer or play the Game Cube, I think we've found a winner ... (Thank you, Heidi!!!)