Stamp books encourage good behavior

Published 3:26 pm Wednesday, August 21, 2013

I’m a big believer in behavior modification through token economies. I find that it’s really easy to catch my kids being bad, but it’s much harder to remember to catch them being good. A token system helps me be a better mom.

So when my kids started squabbling like cats and dogs this past week, I decided to get creative. I made each kid their own stamp book to help us all identify and acknowledge positive sibling interactions, as opposed to negative ones.

Here’s how it works: When we catch somebody being an extra nice brother or sister, we give that person a stamp. Twenty stamps per day equals “a positive day.” After 10 positive days, the kids earn a fun outing with dad.

We’re not going to do this system forever; just until September. But boy, has it made a big difference already.

What about you? Are sibling squabbles and issue in your house? I’m open to all ideas and suggestions!