Happy Cards

This is a discipline idea that I've used, and honestly, it was more my salvation than beneficial for my kids.

I made little pouches for each out of paper, and wrote on the front "I can be happy" with a smiley face. We have a million Thomas cards around the house, so they each get 3 to start each day in their happy card pouch. On the first instance of freaking out, disobeying, sassing, whatever, they lose the first happy card and we decide what the punishment will be when all 3 are gone. This works well, because by this point in the day I can see what will be important to them, thus I know what privilege to revoke. The next time they misbehave, they lose another happy card. The third time, they lose the happy card and the privilege (usually a favorite toy, playtime outside, going to a friend's house). If they continue to misbehave, they just continue to lose privileges.

They can, however, have their happy cards reinstated by getting "super star" cards. These are given out after the happy cards are gone, and can be traded to get a happy card back. Each instance of good behavior, helping with a chore, showing good manners, earns a super star card. When he gets 3 super star cards, he can trade for 1 happy card, and his privilege is restored. I know is sounds complicated, but it actually is very logical to their little brains.

The best thing about this, is that instead of losing my temper or feeling like all I do is time-out or take stuff away, this gives us both a gradual outlet for discipline and learning consequences. It really worked well for the 2-4 age range, and Brig has kind of out-grown it now. He did make happy cards for Mommy and Daddy too, which was good, because we couldn't argue when he took our happy cards, just like he can't argue when we take his. It gave us some useful insight to what he feels is inappropriate to him!

Teething Idea

My youngest Adin is teething, which at 8 months I'm not complaining. But the other day he was unbearable because he was not only hungry (there is only so much that breastfeeding can do) but his teeth were bothering him. I had a brilliant idea at dinner time. I have some bananas that I fast froze in my freezer. I pulled out one and gave it to him (actually I held it while he bit it because it was quite cold). It worked like a charm!! Not only was it cold to help with the teeth but he got some nurishment because it was a banana. Beware though because as it melts it gets messy and gooey.

Super Saturday?

Okay Smart Ladies...

Any ideas for great enrichment meeting - super saturday activities? I've planned too many of these the past few years and my ideas are running short!

What have you guys done or would like to do??? Anything jumping out at you?

Thanks in advance!