We’ve been having a bit of trouble getting to school on time this year.

Actually, ONE of us (who shall remain nameless) has been having a bit of trouble getting READY for school, therefore making it impossible for everyone else to get to school, and other various destinations, on time.  It has been going on all year and I am at the end of my rope.

So, after various (unsuccessful) attempts at rewards and incentive programs to improve school dressing times, we have now come up with the marble system.

Each little person has a jar or box with their initial stuck on it.  Something clear is great so they can see their progress.

We have collectively agreed on ‘areas for improvement’ for each child, and we also have a special jar for Daddy who is working on improving some of his ‘words’ 😉

Rather than rewarding them for general good behaviour (which we do ways other than the marble reward system) we are remaining focussed on just one issue per child.  We are currently concentrating on improving;

–          Eating all my dinner

–          Getting dressed and ready for school in a timely manner

–          Turning off technology the first time I am asked

Each time one of these is achieved by the relevant child, they get a marble.  When they reach ten marbles they get a reward of their choice – for us that is a particular (small) toy or book they have been wanting, or $5 to save towards something bigger they would like.

It’s simple and achievable, meaning everyone can maintain interest, including me.  I have to admit, some previous reward systems have fallen by the wayside as I have not been committed to enforcing or maintaining them!  Sound familiar?

This one seems to be working. We’ve actually made it to school on time every day since we started it.  Hallelujah!