Discipline 101

We have started a new form of discipline at the Casa de Riker. It is one that Daddy and I found in a parenting magazine and fell in love with. It is very simple and effective. It puts each child in charge of his or her choices. It allows them to feel like a grown up. It is something that is simple enough for them to understand. It is something that works. . .

It is plain and simple MARBLES!

For good choices, you add a marble to your jar. For poor choices, you lose a marble from your jar. The kiddos know that they are in charge of their choices - hence our decision to use the word 'choice'. If they follow the rules of our house, are respectful, do their school work without complaining, remember that we are a team, they earn marbles. If they choose to not do this or hurt their siblings, be sassy, etc, they will lose marbles. On the first day, I did have to empty the jars completely, but after that, it has not happened again. In fact, it was been quite a powerful tool - and everything they do, they ask me if it will earn a marble!

So, I was incredibly pleased on Friday, when after just 5 days, all of Robert and Hannah's marbles were in their jars! We took pictures and sent them to daddy. We celebrated and made a BIG to-do about it. They even received a very special treat - spinning flashlights! The next prize for filling the jars will be an ice cream date with daddy!

They were hungry and not in the mood for a picture!