Works For Me Wednesday: Family Fun Prize Board
Before having kids, my husband and I foolishly made a list of rules we would follow when we became parents. The fact that we had time to sit down and make such an absurd list tells you that we had way too much time on our hands, but that is completely beside the point.
I have since lost this paper because it was a complete joke we’ve been a little busy with actually raising our real children. The precious children that try to pluck every, single, solitary last nerve until we are ready to explode. I don’t remember all the rules we had once thought we would follow, but I believe “No Yelling” was pretty high up on the list.
Sadly, I must admit that rule has been broken just about every day in our house. Multiple times an hour.
At least it was before remembering something that I had used in my previous life as a classroom teacher.
I like to call it The Family Fun Prize Board. Here is what ours looks like:
(Please Note: This is not an endorsement for Sponge Bob. Although, it has been known to keep me from yelling at the kids for at least a full half hour.)
I made mine here, but you could just as easily make one with a piece of paper or poster board and a marker. It is a simple chart with blocks big enough for your kids to write their names or initials. Across the top you write the letters A-G and across the bottom you write the numbers 1-7. So each block is represented by a letter number combination.
Whenever you see your kids doing something nice or following a direction the first time you give it, or whatever other great accomplishment you deem worthy, they get to sign the prize board. As soon as the board is full, pick a letter and number from a hat to determine the winner of the prize.
What is the prize you may be wondering?
I decided it had to be relatively inexpensive. I also didn’t want to cause any unnecessary sibling rivalry, so I decided to change the reward to a family reward. The winner of the drawing gets to plan a family fun day of their choice (bowling, movies, skating, out for ice cream, etc..). They get to plan the whole thing, but we all get to enjoy the reward.
The faster the chart gets filled in the faster we will get to have our family reward. So everyone has to work together to get it filled in. Here are just a few examples of how we use it:
If you guys can clean up your rooms before 7 o’clock, then both of you will get to sign…
If you guys have your homework and chores done by 5 o’clock, then both of you will get to sign…
If you are well-behaved at the grocery store, you get to sign…
The possibilities are endless. This is really working for us, so I thought I would share it with you all just in case you aren’t the “perfect” parents you thought you’d be. It’s bribery and it works. And I’m not ashamed to admit it.
To see other tips, head on over to Rocks In My Dryer.
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9 Responses to “Works For Me Wednesday: Family Fun Prize Board”
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Fabulous! I have been looking for something. This was a DUH moment for me. I too taught in my TwoIncomeNoKids life and think I have lost brain cells since then…I used this in class all the stinkin’ time! Thanks so much for the reminder! and site!
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Great idea! Great! Great! Great!
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This is a great idea, Jen! I’m totally going to try this one out, thanks!!
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I think this would be a great idea for the long summer holidays! Thanks for sharing.
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Great idea. I’m going to try it with the girls.
Want to see what works for me?
See here:
Laane on the World
Enjoy your day.
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This is a great idea. With so many kids who are at different level it is so hard to have a system that works. I can’t wait to try this out! Thanks so much!
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I love how everyone benefits from it! Great idea!!
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Okay, this is great. Seriously, I’m so impressed. Our current system stinks. I’m going to have to try this! I love that it’s a family reward so possibly the kids might root for each other…right? Is that wishful thinking?
I’d really like just one moment of everyone getting along and pulling for each other. Is it too much to ask? Don’t answer that.
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Hey, now THIS is a brilliant idea! Love the reward for good behavior…and the whole FAMILY benefits!
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