Behavior Bucks

[KickButtMama]

I've posted this before, but just wanted to give everyone a refresher on what I use for consequences and consistency in our house...


I have been asked about a billion times, lately how i coordinate games, behavior, tv time,etc while doing child led learning.

My oldest would happily lock himself in his room w/ one of the game systems and only emerge to grab food or switch out games. He could probably keep this up for a month if left unchecked. My youngest emerges more often, but he has more of a strong will. So if he has his mind set one doing X and i say it's time to do Y - the battle would begin.

About a year ago, quite by accident, i discovered the key to happiness. Lol. First, i had cleaned their room of all game systems, ereaders, mp3, computers, etc. everything was moved into my bedroom closet. I wanted to start teaching them the value of the dollar, at that time. So i made each child a poster that looked like a checkbook register. The concept was they could earn fictional 'bucks' and use these bucks to get games and such. I was SHOCKED to realize it was a hugely effective behavioral tool as well.

Along the bottom of each poster are 3 columns.

Column 1-- Earnings -- these are the ings the kids can do to earn the bucks

School work = 10 bucks
Chores = 5 bucks
Being helpful = 5 bucks
Changing the litter = 5 bucks

Column 2 -- Deductions -- these are behaviors that will lose them bucks

Lying = 25 bucks
Fighting = 15 bucks
Being disrespectful = 20 bucks
Incomplete schoolwork = 15 bucks

Column 3 -- Spending -- these are ways they can use their bucks

Wii = 25 bucks
Nintendo DS =20 bucks
Nintendo 64 = 20 bucks
Computer = 15 bucks
MP3= 10 bucks
Bike riding = 10 bucks
Scooter = 5 bucks

If they choose to use some of their bucks, they are essentially RENTING the system from us. The length of time the renting lasts starts at the end of the schoolday (when they have earned their bucks for completing schoolwork and chores) and lasts until 10am the next day, when we usuallu begin school. So, the quicker they get their work done the longer they will have with their games. Oh, and they can not turn in bad work. Rushing through and claiming to be done, even when you know it's substandard work is considered cheating, aka lying, and will cost you bucks. There are exceptions to this. Using the computer or ipad for school work isn't limited. Using computer programming games like Alics (from Columbia University) or Scratch (from MIT) and creating their own games is not limited.

My goal, at first, wasn't to limit them in their play. It was to help them learn to appreciate what they have, at the same time learning economics (earnings, savings, spending, etc.) it was just a blessed surprise to realize it was also a great behavioral tool!

[gacgbaker]

Thanks for sharing the system!

[Boobah]

Thanks!

Quoting gacgbaker:

Thanks for sharing the system!

[snowangel1979]

Thanks bumping so I can find this later. LOL.

[MrsK34]

 Love this idea!!

 

[melissaoliver79]

love it i am going to do it... thanks

[melissaoliver79]

one quick question... once the child has the item rented what happens if they mis beahve while using it? Do you take it away or deduct bucks?

[Mcat02]

 I so love this!! I told hubby about it & we are going to have to start doing it. Especially when school starts. Thanks

[SuperMommy408]

Thanks :)

[KickButtMama]

Quoting melissaoliver79:

one quick question... once the child has the item rented what happens if they mis beahve while using it? Do you take it away or deduct bucks?

Believe it or not, I don't think we've ever faced that...lol...all I have to do is walk toward their poster, when they are misbehaving, and they immediately pile n the apologies.

[melindabelcher]

So then do you do it consistently? Not trying to give you a hard time just wondering.
when they do positive behaviors you dont just threaten rewards they have actual tangible rewards. but when they misbehave you threaten consequences? But not actually have a consequence since they already have a reward?

Quoting KickButtMama:

Quoting melissaoliver79:

one quick question... once the child has the item rented what happens if they mis beahve while using it? Do you take it away or deduct bucks?

Believe it or not, I don't think we've ever faced that...lol...all I have to do is walk toward their poster, when they are misbehaving, and they immediately pile n the apologies.