Accountable Kids rip-off

Jason and I have been talking the past few months of how to make the kids responsible for different aspects of their daily lives. During last weeks parent-teacher conference for Brendan, I even brought up our coming up with some type of system, especially one in which Brendan's handwriting would be counted towards.

Over the summer Uncle Spencer had mentioned using with his two. He'd gotten the idea from a fellow lax player. Apparently what we've come up with is something along the same lines without paying for a nifty hanging board or cards. Granted, we might end up going that route.

On Sunday, we sat down as a family to come up with how and what we'd check the boys on. It had to be fairly universal given the ages. We also wanted their input on what we'd hold them responsible for. I drew up a crude calendar for each boy and a master list of both positive and negative points. We also decided to 'cash' in the points at the end of each week, with the prizes listed the boys can work towards. They can also hold onto points for a larger prize if desired. Prizes include, but are not limited too, playing on their Nintendo DS, going to the movies, picking dessert for dessert night or the game on game night.

We'd gotten tired of getting them to do basic, everyday stuff without any drama. Some days were great. Others ended in my tears of frustration. Everything we're giving them checks for are basic (or so we think): homework, brushing teeth, cleaning their room and so on. They get a check for doing something without being told. They also have a list where points can be taken away. This includes fighting, being a tattle-tale, being asked several times, etc..

Surprisingly, the boys are really excited for this latest venture in our household. They've been coming up with new positive and negative marks all day. I've been repeating talking with Daddy when he comes home and saying this is a work in process.

The system will most likely evolve and grow as we continue using it and seeing how the boys react.