Over the last six months or so, my parents have been installing a new “punishment system.” Although that sounds like a Fascist judicial system, it is just how I mentally refer to the ways my parents handle different infractions. The new “system”‘ seems to be complete, so I thought I would write about it, explaining what I thought about it and how it worked. This “punishment system” is in place to handle minor infractions, any major infractions (essentially anything that would get me grounded or worse) are handled on a case-by-case basis. Also, I will explain the new chores system because: A). it overlaps into this, and B). they are like punishment to me.
- The coin jars. There are two jars in my kitchen that are both about half-full of coins. The first jar is called the electricity jar. Anytime a member of the household (including parents) leaves a light, fan, etc. on while they aren’t in the room, they have to pay 25 cents per item left on. Supposedly, this will be used to pay the electric bill (but I really don’t know). The alarm jar was created specifically because of me, due to my habit of leaving my alarm on when I’m not home. Every time my alarm clock goes off when I’m not home, thus sending someone else to shut it off, I have to pay 50 cents. I think both of these are effective, because I no longer leave my fan on and I am becoming better about my alarm clock.
- Chores for favors. Anytime one of the children forgets something, misses the bus, or ends up in a similar situation in which a parent is needed to do something for them at the drop of a hat, said child has to do a chore when they are home later. The chores are decided upon based on the level of inconvenience caused by the favor. I guess this system works pretty well, but I dislike chores, so I’m not a big fan of it.
- The new chore system. On top of the chores as punishment, each of the kids get one chore to do every weekend that we are at our mom’s. These need to be completed before we can hang out with friends. Also, we have a new way of deciding who puts away the silverware. We are simply are told to, generally based on whomever is nearby when the dishes are done. Obviously, if I get it twice in a row, it will be assigned to someone else. The prior system, which alternated between the kids, took too long, because we would get it but not be home or not know.
Well, that is the new “punishment system.” As evil as it sounds, it is (gasp!) rather fair. Maybe this would work for you too?