Accountable Kids

Moms, do you sometimes feel like you are constantly on top of your kids, reminding them to pick up this or clean up that?  It seems like that is my life.  I clean one room only to have it messed up again five minutes later.  I find shoes, trash, books, toys, silly bands, you name it, I find it making a path on my floor.  All of that can make for one frustrated Mama.  And you know that terrible saying, "If Mama's not happy, ain't nobody happy."  Well, sometimes that can be a sad truth in my house.  I get burned out.  I get tired of picking up after everyone.  Sometimes, Mama's not happy.    

SOOO, Hubby and I have been trying to figure out a way to teach our children how to be responsible without nagging them to get things done.  A few years ago at a home school conference, I came across this program called Accountable Kids.  

The basic concept of the AK program, as stated on the back of their book is, "a unique parenting program designed to teach accountability and responsibility in the home.  It is a back-to-basics system which includes essential parenting principles and concrete stepping stones that strengthen relationships and build a foundation for success. Children learn to balance choices and consequences in a fun, productive manner.  They experience the joy of being a vital, contributing member of the family and develop condfidence and self-worth.  The AK book and kit provide everything parents need to maximize efforts and bring structure and harmony into the home."  

 

It comes with all of the things you see in this picture.   

I like this method because our kids know exactly what's expected of them.  If they don't follow through with their chores and earn their ticket, they can't watch tv, play video games, or play with friends.  They are learning the difference between necessity and privilege.  Playing video games is a privilege that is earned.  My motto is, "If your work isn't done, you can't have fun."  When they don't take care of their responsibilities, their options are very limited for what they can do. They also enjoy earning their stars that lead up to a special date of their choice.  The rewards are earned at a good pace where the kids don't get discouraged because it's taking a month to earn something.  But, it's enough time that they are developing good behaviors and patterns.   

What chore/responsibility charts have been working for you?  How do you do incentives or rewards?  

Thanks for stopping by,