A lady (whom I have never met in person, yet I stalk her blog) recently posted about her New Years Resolution Idea. Rather than having a resolution for the whole year, she would have a new goal for her family each month.
This month is "Clean up After Yourself" month.
Genius!
Here are the rules:
- We are going to remind each other to pick up after ourselves in a cheerful way. "Remember, It's clean up after yourself month!"
- If there is crying/whining/refusal to clean up that person gets a strike.
- Three strikes and you are out.
- Those who stay "in" get to go on a fun family date night at the end of the month.
- Those who get out will have to stay home with a babysitter (or, in Dan's case, an extra chore list).
So far it's working great!
Dan and Tyson are much more willing to pick up after themselves in a timely manner. We are still working on Preston, although we've seen improvement with him as well.
The only problems I've had so far are:
*Tyson has complained a few times about doing other chores because it wasn't "his mess." He quickly changed his tune when I told him that I was only going to wash my own dishes and my own clothes. Everyone else can wash their own.
*Tyson gets frustrated when Preston isn't held to the same standard he is. I've tried to explain that Preston is only 2 and is still learning.
So far my house has been less messy and cluttered, and there has been less whining on their part and less nagging on mine.
Genius I tell you, simply genius!
2 comments. . . I Love Comments!:
What a great idea! I hope it keeps working throughout the month!
When reading this I thought that if I was doing it, for my little guy I would do 3 strikes weekly, so I could train him better. It sounds like Preston could use that too. Good luck on trying to teach Tyson about the same standards. I say over and over in my house: Life is not fair. As my 7 year old is mad that my 5 month old is not putting his own diapers in the garbage or doing chores, I get so frustrated. If you figure it out, let me know!
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