The Proper Motivation

Apparently when you really want something you are much more negotiable to chores. I have been lamenting the lack of enthusiasm and compliance my children have for doing chores of late. It seemed that no bribe or threat could get them done better, faster, or more cheerfully.

I have seen other children simply say, "Yes, Mother." and obey. I have. I swear. But my children are stubborn. Yesterday they were not allowed to play their DS games or play with friends, or even go outside until their chores where done. Simple chores, really. Clean their rooms, including their bathroom and their playroom. Bring down their laundry. No torture involved.

I have seen them do all these things in under an hour, but yesterday neither child left the house or turned a the TV until after 5:00. It took that long.

Then Hannah sat down to look through the American Girl Magazine. She is like her mother, she has a LOT of wants. And she has the American Girl doll, Julie. Julie has a lot of accessories that Hannah might die without, it would seem. BUT, is it Christmas? Is it her birthday? Is it some other special occasion where her parents buy her expensive doll accessories? NO. But this child of mine is pretty smart.

You see, she earns points for doing chores. Points that can later be turned into money. Money that can purchase lots of wants outside special occasions (That is, if she has lots of points).

Hannah's outlook took on a sudden change last night. On her way to bed she turned on the stairs and asked, "If I get up in the morning and clean my room before I come down, do I get a point?"

"Sure." I said. I found it highly unlikely that she would wake up and remember, let alone be cheerful enough to start cleaning before demanding breakfast.

I was wrong.

After she cleaned her room she asked how many points she had. I told her 16.

"Can I cash my points out for money?" She slyly asks. I say slyly, because generally they buy things directly with the points. I don't hand out cash. If I cash out her points then I can't deduct from them when she is naughty or disobeys me. I told you she was bright. I counted the money she has wadded in her purse the other day while we were waiting for the ice cream truck. $17.00. That is what she has stuffed in her coach purse (which she got from her Manna--I don't even own a coach purse! But that is beside the point. But speaking of the money, I think she managed to leave Grandpa's, Manna's, and Uncle Mike's pockets a little lighter when last we visited. No theft involved--when you're that cute. . .or sly. . .these things work themselves out!).

I tell her I will think about it. Then I get the bright idea that if she earns 25 points I will cash out 20, so I still have a reserve to hang over her.

I have never seen a more productive little eight year old. She cleaned, she folded laundry and put it away--her sister's too! She did dishes, she washed windows, she pulled weeds. SHE WAS NICE TO HER SISTER!! I should have thought of this ages ago.

What motivates your children to this degree of productivity?