Rewards

The kids are getting a little addicted to playing with my iPad and Tom's Samsung 10 tablet. And they think our laptops and desk tops are theirs. I try to work, they want to play Star Fall. Tom wants to read the news, they want Angry Birds. Add in some general bratty behavior (Clara flat out ignoring us, George saying "NO!" to every. damn. thing.) and we were done up.

So after chatting with their day care provider, talking to some mom friends, and Googling "bratty toddler behavior" (after having a couple glasses of wine - and I seriously suggest you do not Google that sober), I've come up with a strategy to attack this head on. And yes, I fully expect it to kick me in the ass later, but for now, let's go with it.

The kids now have to earn computer time. Yes, the 4.5-year-old and days-from-turning-3-year-old must now work for screen time. Good behavior, using manners, not throwing a shit fit when it is time for the evening clean-up, going to bed without a fight - all these things will earn tokens that can be traded for 10 minutes of computer time. I was going for 5 minutes, Tom thought 10 was more fair.

So while I do not believe in rewarding for being a member of the family and a good citizen, because that is just what is expected of a member of society, I do think that maybe the kids could use some kind of positive reinforcement... and I am tired of reading BOB books on my iPad when I really want to play Bubble Pop or browse Pinterest.

And I can already see their personalities coining out to the extreme in this - Clara is hoarding her tokens, George earns one and right away asks for the iPad and timer.