"It's not fair!" Try the Odds & Evens Solution

[GrannyLynn]

Tired of the kids complaining you're not being fair? If you have a seemingly constant battle with children who argue with you all the time, I may have a solution for you. At least I found it solved most of the problems. I call it the "odds and evens".  Here's how it works
As one of two children, if it is your day, you get to sit by the window, in the recliner or other coveted seat. You get to choose which fast food place from among those suggested. You get to pick a vegetable for dinner. You get to choose which video to rent from among those suggested. You get to talk to Grandma first. You get to read the comics first. You get control of the remote during the kids' tv time. You get to have your bath first or last, whichever you choose. You get to choose which flavor ice cream Mom will buy, etc. BUT, when it is your day, you also have to set the table, empty the dishwasher, fold the towels, help carry in the groceries, wind the vacuum cord, feed the pets, and any other age appropriate chores.
Assigning the days works like this:
One child has their birthday on an even number day, the other on an odd number day. In this example, one child  has their birthday on the 3rd and the other on the 24th. The child with their birthday on the 3rd is assigned all odd number days throughout the month. On those days, that child enjoys all the benefits and all the chores. If both children have odd or even number birthdays, you can go by the month (January, March, May, etc are odd numbered months). If that doesn't work, then go by the year they were born. You get the idea.

Children as young as three quickly learn to watch the calendar. There is no bartering of benefits or chores allowed. If it is your day, you have to help with whatever Mom or Dad asks and it doesn't matter that you did it last time.

In those months when there is a 31st, so that you avoid having the 'odd' kid getting two days in a row, the 31st is the parents' day to do the chores and make any decisions.

If you have any questions or need a point clarified, please contact me. I used this system for years and believe it saved my sanity more than once.

GrannyLynn from western Oregon

[callmeann]

Dec. 16, 2008 at 10:15 AM

What do you suggest for twins?  Ha ha!  I know you can just pick, arbitrarily, or go with the minute or hour of their birth.  I just thought it was funny.

But, what about a family with three kids?  I would tell my older one to just get over himself since he's five and a half years older, but with some kids, there is less of an age difference.  A creative mom can work out something but I just thought I would ask.