I'm fairly certain that every parent goes through the pain of teaching kids to pick up after themselves. In my house, you have to ask 37 times before you really get some action going. Larissa of Just Another Day in Paradise has been dealing with the same issue, but she created a clever solution: the toy ransom box.
The concept is simple: once you've asked your kids to pick up toys they've taken out, if they don't follow through, you collect the neglected toy and put it in your own "ransom box." The box has a collection of chores to choose from that kids can perform in order to get their toy back.
It's a simple way to foster responsibility in kids without having to engage in a lot of negotiating or punishment. Larissa even provides you with a download of her image, or you can create one of your own.
Would you try the toy ransom box? Do you have another system for encouraging kids to remember their household duties?
Read More: Just Another Day in Paradise
(Image: Just Another Day in Paradise)
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It's a good idea, but it's a doubled edged sword because it equals house chores with punishment (or reward, actually). It's an age old dilemma, but this one seems to kill two birds with a stone and I suppose that's commendable.
As someone said once, the golden rule in parenthood (if there is one) would be: "it works until it doesn't". If it worked for someone and I'd find myself in that situation, I'd definitely give it a go.
Agreed with Julia2711. Well put.
Maybe, if they have similar aged siblings, help someone else pick up their toys for that night and you get it the next morning? Delayed gratification and helping others for the price of one.
perfect...mum was the one left with the mess and she did the chore of picking it up so, to require a chore in return is not punishment but a fair trade. :-)
Jaqui, I think that's a nice way of framing it and definitely something you can explain to your child. Will copy this idea for the future!