My kids are becoming huge “wanters”. It drives me crazy and it makes shopping very unpleasant. They are always begging for new toys, and if we buy a toy for a birthday party they have to have one for themself too. Well, I should say the problem is more with Stella, but the behavior is rubbing off on Lucas. Honestly, compared to other houses we’ve been to, my kids don’t have a lot of toys. Not that they don’t have ANY toys, but just not a lot of toys. I guess it’s because I just don’t buy them–only for special occasions. Never out of the ordinary. However, now that I’ve been exposed to other kid’s playrooms, I feel kind of bad for my kids. And now I feel the pressure that I NEED to buy toys for them. They’re usually watching this one particular Youtube channel on the TV which hasn’t really made me think of buying them more toys! This brings me back to the fact that I don’t like them been “wanters” or being too spoiled–also I love to see their imagination become alive with just a pile of rocks and sticks. So, I’ve created a sticker chart. We’ll see how it goes–she gets a sticker for a variety of things I would like her to work on and once filled up–we take a special trip to the toy store. I don’t know–I’m kind of making random decisions in the dark.
Cute chart, I like the colors you used. So, once she blacks it out with stickers she gets a toy of choice, right? I think a system like this is good for kids to learn how to earn things instead of doing nothing and being wanters. You’re doing great mama.
I think that’s a great idea! You are such a good and creative mom. This sounds like the perfect solution for both sides of the issues. I wish I was as creative as you are!
I really like the chart idea. I know that Natalie does something like that from time to time (only with coupons, I think) for the same reasons. You’re a good mama!
What a fantastic idea!!! Great job.
I’m totally like you…we don’t just buy toys in our house to buy them…there has to be a reason, ie: birthdy and christmas. Good Luck to Stella on working hard to fill up the sticker chart!
that’s a great plan! another fun thing to do is to buy a few things you want them to have when you’re out on your own. then, when they do something really good, or it’s a rainy day or whatever, you can pull out a new toy as a special surprise. my kids love that.
Great idea!
Great idea Darleen. I do this with books, I have almost given Naomi every title in the beginner reading series Dr. Seuss books. I have noticed it has not only taught her about earning things, but has also helped her distinguish between what is worth earning and what is not. (She no longer wants toys she will only play with once, but things she can use over and over again, like books). I didn’t realize what I was doing at first, but now I see that it has also helped her value books, reading, learning,etc. We will all raise different kids, thank goodness! Wouldn’t the world be a wierd place if we were all the same? I am a futurist and am always thinking of what I can do today to prepare and strengthen my kids for tommorrow, but who really knows what the future holds!??? A lot of craziness I know!
I don’t like to buy many toys, I rather buy books, or art things. I have had that same problem going to the store with my kids and they want and want. Now that my Ashlyn is older we give her an allowance,of course we have certain rules. If she really wants something she has to use her money. It’s been good, she has learned that you can’t always get what you want, and has learned more of what things cost, and to save.
I didn’t finish my comment, but I really like how you made a chart, it’s a great idea.
I think this is a great idea, Darleen. I love charts–I need to do this as well!