At dinner this evening, I decided to create a new rule for my kids at the last minute, which went over not all too well. So I added a bit of incentive. Starting Jan. 1st, I implemented chore schedules and an allowance plan for both kids. You see, I am really bad at keeping track of this stuff, and even worse at allowing anyone to do anything that I know I can do much better. So basically, I have created a lesson for my kids, and therapy for myself. To help convince my kids they really do need to start trying their vegetables, I told them each night at dinner they have to taste at least one vegetable, and that this is also part of earning their allowance. Tonight we had green beans. My kids are like most other kids, if it is green, then it does not taste good.
My son decided he might want to take advantage of the new rule and negotiate a deal with me. In a calm, and very lawyer-like fashion, my son said, "if I eat all the beans do I get a raise?" Without hesitation, I stated, "If you eat ALL the beans on your plate, I will double your allowance this week." Do you think he ate them, you betcha. My daughter, however, is not convinced anything green is worth any money and chose to eat one.
I might at least have a 50/50 chance to change one child's eating habits, but I might go broke in the process.
