It's been ages since I participated in Works for me Wednesday, hosted by Rocks in the Dryer. But my husband has recently invented a fun way to help our little ones not only do more chores around the house- but actually get excited about it!
In days gone by, we tried the "chore chart", but they sadly fell by the wayside, time and time again. I know they work for some families, but for us, it's been too hard to keep them up consistently.
Enter, the Chore Ticket.
Yep, I do believe my husband was brilliant this time. But he admits, it was borrowed, in part, by our Sunday School's current reward system.
You see, the Sunday School at our church gives out homework- simply things like a verse to memorize or a puzzle to work through looking up some scriptures. If your child turns it back in all finished, they get a pretend "buck", good for purchasing things at the little booth that opens up just once a month.
A little incentive, plus it helps kids learn about purchase decisions...spend my one buck right away on these three pieces of candy, or save up and buy a "big-ticket" item.
So, my husband's little light bulb over his head went off one day and announced that for doing certain chores, both girls (ages 8 and 5) would earn appropriate chore tickets.
But here is where he used his artistic sense, taking it one step further...
They would each design their own chore ticket, he's scan them, and place a photo of each of them in the center like a president on a dollar bill.
Something about not only earning tickets, but simultaneously feeling as important as Thomas Jefferson that makes them actually eager to fold laundry...and even use the ..um...doggie scooper in the back yard.
Now, it's up to me who is home with them more to dole out the appropriate tickets for the tasks. And usually they get to spend them when they're shopping with their daddy at Winco. Although mainly a grocery store, they do sell toys...(And don't underestimate the lure of an extra 4-pack of pudding in those little plastic cups. Two tickets will let you plunk that in the shopping cart.)
We're not sure exactly how long we'll keep this little monetary system in play. But for now, it's teaching them some good old fashioned work ethic, and they're having fun, to boot. (Plus, I'm getting lots and lots of help!) Definitely working for us!
Oh, and in case you're wondering...six scoops of doggie stuff equals a ticket. Our lab just can't seem to turn 'em out fast enough these days!
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