Coin Jar

Toward the end of my pregnancy with Erik the kids were fighting a ton with each other. Since I was tired, I probably didn't react the best in all the situations. When the new year came, I decided to pull out some incentives to help us all restore some peace into our home.

We had a bunch of left-over coins from Victoria's pirate party. I told the kids if we could fill up a mason jar with coins to the first line, we could all go out to eat. The next line we would do a fun activity together, like bowling. When it gets filled to the top they get to choose to go wherever they want, as long as it's within reason.

Each time any one of them fights with another (excessive teasing is included) they get an eye on the white board. The next fight gets another eye, and the third fight gets a frown. If there is no frown at the end of the day, even if there are eyes, then they earn a coin. Last weekend they earned it up to the first line, so we went to Golden Corral for dinner. They really enjoyed getting to choose the foods they wanted and Victoria did great trying different foods. Karissa and Austin stuck with the pizza, rolls, and fruit. Of course dessert was a big hit! Austin finally got the hang of it and ran off to get in line again as we were leaving. I grabbed him a corn muffin to appease him.

The coin jar is working and they hardly ever get even an eye. That's not to say that nothing little starts brewing, but they are quickly dissolved when I ask if they want an "eye". Hopefully we can still keep the peace around here when the coin jar is finished!

Here's my cutie Erik.

He was trying to suck on the zipper of his hoodie.