A couple of weeks ago we started doing a new positive-reinforcement thing with Janae. She had to get 10 marbles into the jar, and her reward would be going to get a pink ice cream cone. She earned marbles by being good and by doing her jobs everyday (her jobs are feeding the dog and putting her dirty clothes in the laundry room). But, of course, it worked both ways; if she was naughty, she got a marble taken out of the jar.
This worked like magic. She would get so excited when Jeff or I would catch her doing something good (helping Kiera, cleaning up w/out being asked, etc..) and put a marble in the jar for her. She would also get very upset if she lost a marble - which was great for Jeff and I! Just the threat of losing a marble was usually enough to get her to cooperate with us on the task at hand.
This morning she earned the 10th marble, and was ready to go get pink (strawberry) ice cream at about 8:45 AM! I was able to distract her for a couple of hours until Cold Stone opened. She proudly told the lady behind the counter that she got all of her marbles and needs pink ice cream, please! It was sooo cute!
This worked like magic. She would get so excited when Jeff or I would catch her doing something good (helping Kiera, cleaning up w/out being asked, etc..) and put a marble in the jar for her. She would also get very upset if she lost a marble - which was great for Jeff and I! Just the threat of losing a marble was usually enough to get her to cooperate with us on the task at hand.
This morning she earned the 10th marble, and was ready to go get pink (strawberry) ice cream at about 8:45 AM! I was able to distract her for a couple of hours until Cold Stone opened. She proudly told the lady behind the counter that she got all of her marbles and needs pink ice cream, please! It was sooo cute!
We are now working toward a Chicken Nugget Happy Meal!
2 thoughts from friends:
Good for her! And you two as well! Don't you love when something like that actually works how you want it to?! And 'pink' ice cream - a most excellent choice. :)
Thanks for the great idea Swanson's... I now have three little jars set up. My ducklings are earning colored "paperclips" until I can get to the Dollar Tree for some marbles. But, whatever works, right?!?
Post a Comment