TIPS FOR TUESDAY

5 Tips to Tame The Kids Chaos

1. CHART IT - Print a sticker chart to mark successes, like making your bed, finishing your homework, or not fighting with your sister. I have made some of my own, and found some great websites where you can print some for free. Here are some free printable charts:FREE Printable Charts or Preschooler Chore Chart

2. AUCTION IT - Have a family auction weekly or monthly. Kids can earn tickets by completing tasks, homework, keeping a positive attitude, getting along with their siblings. Whatever you decide. Purchase a large roll of tickets at Staples, and when they earn a ticket, tear one off and write their name on the back. They toss it in a sealed bucket. When you have the auction, dump out the bucket and divide the tickets accordingly to their owners. Then auction off some prizes, like toys from the dollar store, coupons for TV or computer time, or a get out of making your bed card.

3. MARBLE JAR IT- I did this for a number of years. Get 2 jars and fill each halfway with marbles or pretty stones. Label one jar the HAPPY JAR and one the SAD JAR. This is a FAMILY WIDE reward, not individual. When your child does something good, ask them to take a marble out of the sad jar and put it in the happy jar, and vice versa. When the happy jar is full, decide on a family wide reward, like going to a science museum or out to dinner.

4. PRAY IT - Make faith and prayer fun in your house. Use these fun family time prayers you sing to at meal time, and watch your kids absorb your faith from the inside out.

5. DEVOTIONS AND DESSERT - Have weekly family devotions and dessert. Pick one night that you are all home, make a tasty dessert, and as you enjoy the treat, read a fun family devotion. The kids will love the sweet treat, and will sit still, and you can all grow together in your faith. One fantastic family devotion we have used is Gather Round the Dinner Fable by Steven James.