Hallelujah

Finally sick and tired of listening to the constant bickering, I pulled out the Kindness Rocks last night. Not only did peace quickly ensue, suddenly Matthew was following Maggie around taking care of her every need (a task that would wear out even the most patient, compassionate soul) and Nathan was hard at work scrubbing the main floor clean ( he picked up the clutter, swept, vacuumed, and MOPPED!) And they did it all without even being asked. !!!

What is this miracle called Kindness Rocks, you ask?

Last year, I bought a few jars and some colorful glass pebbles at the dollar store. When the boys do something "kind" (like obey Mom or help out or resolve an argument respectfully--yes, it IS possible, folks) they get one or a few or a handful of rocks in their jar. When their jar is full, they can choose a family outing (or a prize from the dollar store if they're feeling materialistic). Of course, they can lose rocks too: name-calling is a real hurdle for Nathan.

These rocks got us through the move last year but they kind of fell into disuse in-between houses. Why, oh, why have I waited so long to pull them out again?

Here's to positive reinforcement!