A Little Bribery Never Hurt
I’m trying to retrain my family how to “talk” to each other. Too often we (and I’m the worst culprit) repsond to each other in annoyance and yelling. It’s a pattern I grew up with and despite how many books I’ve read, I can’t seem to kick the habit and now my children are little gripers and react harshly to each other, especially to four year old Gracie who always seem to mess up what they’re doing.
Hence, the bribery. I’m trying out the “if you whine, or react harshly to someone, then you owe 25 cents…but if I catch you being kind and gentle, then you earn 25 cents.”
So far the morning has gone well. They’ve been earning money, and only had a little taken away. But the best part is that it helps them think before they react. It’s also helped me! I caught myself responding in frustration and before I ended my sentence I had tured it around!
This method may cost me a bundle, but if it works then at least I won’t have to pay for therapy or cough up the money to bail them out of jail!
***UPDATED: Okay, I think I owe my kids a couple of dollars, when I suddenly lost it this weekend rushing to get out the door and no one was listening or doing what they were supposed to. No, if only I can bribe them into getting out the door on time!
