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Thursday, March 4, 2010

The Chum Bucket...and the Krusty Krab

We love Spongebob. I know it's not the most innocent show, but it just cracks me up. So it was especially fitting when my sister told me about a friend of hers who had a "Chum Bucket" in their house. As I mentioned in my previous post, the Chum Bucket is used regularly around here. It has probably been one of the best parenting techniques I've used. Any time there is a problem: arguing, breaking rules, arguing, disobeying, being disrespectful, arguing, etc., I don't have to stop and think of a consequence. The immediate response is, "Go to the Chum Bucket."


It's filled with things the kids don't like to do: cleaning the bathroom, cleaning the family room, cleaning everyone's bedrooms, wiping down the kitchen cupboards, cleaning baseboards...oh, wait. Did I say things they don't like to do? I think I might mean me...

On the flip side, we have a "Krusty Krab" with rewards for the kids. These are for when I notice a kid doing something nice for someone else...or just being extra good. The other day, Mr. C offered half his dessert to M-Dog since there was only a little bit left. So, he got the Krusty Krab. The only stipulation is that I need to believe they are not doing kind gestures merely for a reward. If they come tell me about something great they did, they get a pat on the back and a hug, but they won't be getting the Krusty Krab. It needs to be genuine.

The Krusty Krab is filled with things the kids like: stay up an extra 1/2 hour, get popcorn after dinner, pick dinner for Friday night, get a treat, etc.


I'm always in need of fresh new ideas for both the Chum Bucket and Krusty Krab. So throw 'em at me! Lemme know whatcha got!

8 comments:

happymcfamily said...

love it.

:)De said...

I have a "repeat offender" program that gives some little sweetie a chance to clean baseboards, cabnets and walls. It's my silver lining around naughty behavior. LOL! I don't have any new ideas for you, but I may steal... I mean borrow the "clean trash out of car" one as that is chore that I end up doing at every stop light and trian wait. May as well share the love, right?

Melanie said...

I love this idea! I am going to try it at my house as my kids all love spongebob. They prob watch it a little too much on some days. Now Jailynn who has been with us for 9months loves to say "oh Barancles" when something does not go her way. It is just too funny. She picks up some funny things and some things that are not so funny from TV. I decided she can say barnacles.

blessings,
Melanie

Lisa said...

Love it! We have one too but I like the name of yours better. :)

I've thrown some fun things into the consequence jar just to mix it up. Hug mom 3 times. Spin in circles around mom. Etc.....

The Accidental Mommy said...

Great idea! I really like that you have a "reward" jar too, so cool.

Lee said...

I have never had a real consequence jar before or a reward jar. However I have a mental list of tasks that I dole out when folks need some re-direction. The oddest thing that works wonderfully (but can only be used in the spring and summer and early fall here in New England) is washing the siding on our house. It sounds horrid but the water is sort of tranquilizing and getting rid of the anger that caused the outburst while also getting rid of the grunge that our house gets from the street traffic.

Anonymous said...

We try to make most of our rewards or privileges related to activities rather than food because we find that food rewards can sometimes reinforce some unhealthy habits. For example, if a reward is candy the child learns that candy equals feeling good about myself. Instead, a reward might be an extra walk to the park, a dance party with mom and dad, extra stories at bedtime, etc. And yes, candy is good and yummy, but you know what I'm saying. :) As for consequences, we find that the ones that "work" are the ones directly related to the offense, the ones that are logical. For example, if a child has a tantrum at bedtime, they lose one pleasant part of the bedtime routine, such as singing or stories. Or if a child is unwilling to clean up a game or toys, they are not able to play with said game/toy for a set amount of days. I realize this doesn't work well with the chum bucket, but you got me thinking and I'd like to try the chum bucket in some way... It's a good idea.
Angela

Shannon K. said...

Love this Shanti! I want to try something similar but we are getting into the "not fair" phase because Ryan isn't old enough (although getting closer) to have the same consequences as her. What do you do for G?

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