I was listening to the radio the other day and a woman was talking about a strategy she uses with her children.
I so stole the idea and it is working beautifully. I wish I remembered her name because I'd give her credit... but just so you know, this isn't my idea.
It's a Saturday Box.
On Sunday, I give my daughter a little money. She's five so a dollar bill is a beautiful thing to her. She keeps it all week long and it is hers. She can even call it squishy... Everynight after she goes to sleep, whatever I find that she's left out, I get to put in the Saturday Box. It is mine. If its something she absolutely has to have tomorrow, she may buy it out tomorrow for 2.00. (Teaching the importance of savings!) But if she wants to wait, she can buy it out on Saturday for fifty cents. She still has to pay and that's the punnishment. I might take the actual cost down to 25 cents becaus she receives so little money... but you get the idea. She learns the value of money, the value of cleaning up each night, and patience to boot.
I love this idea. She has cleaned up before going to bed each night we've done this. I'm so proud of her. She says, "I don't want to get this in the Saturday Box!" grinning and putting it away. She is so proud that she can save her money and use it one day. If any of you try this, let me know how it works. I imagine it would work with various ages, but one might have to change the fees and allowance some! Happy parenting!