I realize it has been nearly a month since my last WFMW post - and that's simply because I don't have that much that "works for me" as I am a continual work in progress through many trial and error experiences.....Now if Shannon decides to host a "What does not work for me" blog carnival then I will have plenty of posts to participate.
Now that the sickness has pretty much left our home - we are all back in our massive declutter mode before we kick off our homeschool year full force. My older children are responsible to keep their rooms clean, but I do not have the time to declutter the rooms for them. In a moment of what I will characterize as motherly ingenuity - I discovered a way to get them motivated to let go of that "favorite shirt" from 3 years ago; or the matchbox car with the missing wheel that was a treasured gift from grandma. I pay them! *gasps* I pay them a dime for every donation they make to the give away pile up to $5 each. That comes out to 50 items removed from EACH of their rooms !!!! Count 'em ... 50 x 2 = 100 items out of my house!!! It is amazing the dramatic loss of value that shirt and matchbox car go through as it is tossed into the give away pile in the quest for the $5 payoff reward. So far we do this about twice a year, once before school starts and once before Christmas. They have yet to miss the $5 mark the past 2 years we've done this. Not that they would not get rid of some things without the promise of payment, they really enjoy going through their things thinking of someone else that would enjoy being blessed with it, and have passed on things throughout the year. This method just increases the amount of things they will get rid of. They still have ample training in the pitfalls of a love of money, and they pay their tithe and learn many valuable lessons in money management. My guess is that some may consider this bribery, but for now it works for me! 
*Edited* - This year my older daughter's room is in a bigger need of decluttering than before, so I have lowered the amount from 10 cents an item, to a nickel an item ... she has to go for 100 items now to reach the full $5 goal.
Labels: Works for Me Wednesday |
That is such a great idea! I am not at all opposed to bribery! LOL! I may have to try this b/c my boys think they'll die if they get rid of stuff...money is a great motivator. Thanks for the tip!