| Child discipline is an ongoing issue when getting your | | | | the numbers were all different so they could earn as |
| children to do chores. And I have to admit, it is no easy | | | | many or as few points as they wanted to get the |
| task. Most kids hate doing chores. That's just the way | | | | ladders and get to the top quickly. |
| it is. But the bottom line is kids need to do chores for | | | | I had already captured my kids' attention. They were |
| many reasons. They need to learn to help around the | | | | intruiged. The oldest two had already started scheming |
| house instead of leaving everything to poor old mum | | | | about how they could beat their younger siblings to the |
| or dad. | | | | top and get the prize that I had for the winner. The |
| OK, so we know that kids need to do chores and we | | | | kids were all excited before the game even started. |
| know that they hate doing chores. So what now? Well | | | | They were ready to do their chores very quickly to |
| what if the kids didn't really think that they were doing | | | | finish the game. |
| chores at all? Huh? Allow me to explain. OK, a chore is | | | | Now I know you might think that I went to a lot of |
| a chore and a game is a game. So let me tell you | | | | work. Actually it took me about ten minutes to prepare |
| what I did with my children last week: | | | | the game. Plus I kept it for another time anyhow. But |
| The four kids arrived home from school. I said to them, | | | | the issue is the kids loved the idea and cheerfully did |
| "OK guys, we are going to play a game of Snakes | | | | their chores. Note "cheerfully" did their chores. If |
| and Ladders". I presented them with a board that I had | | | | something works, you need to do it. OK? |
| made with loads of snakes and ladders on them. It | | | | I have four children and there is often arguing over |
| was just a piece of paper nevertheless it worked. | | | | who does which chore. So this method works for me. |
| Next to the board was a list of chores. Each chore | | | | I'm sure you could do it on a smaller scale with fewer |
| had a numerical value beside it. Cleaning the toilet was | | | | children. You can even join in and play the game with |
| worth five points. Bringing in the washing was worth | | | | your kids. |
| ten points. When you completed the chore to my | | | | This is just one of my innovative ways of getting |
| satisfaction you could move forward the designated | | | | children to be happy about doing chores. Work with |
| number of spots on the game board. There were | | | | your kids, not against them and child discipline will be so |
| about 30 small tasks needing to be done. I made sure | | | | much easier. |