Movie Money Magic

I'm not one of those parents averse to telling my kids no, but if there is a better way, I'm open to that as well.

It may not be the most beautiful currency ever
issued, but she recognized the back as a DVD.

The movie rule in our house was one a day, until I discovered Laney behaves much better when she watches no movies at all. And, with summer coming, I was pretty much resolved to curb the TV time anyway. The only thing unresolved was the best strategy.

Inspiration struck while grocery shopping with the realization Laney is fascinated by the idea of paying for things. The hubby and I decided three movies per week was fair, so that Friday I issued my own currency. Three tokens per week which she can use to buy a movie.

I had high hopes, even thinking it might teach her a lesson in budgeting. The only worry was how she would react once her tokens were gone.

The first week played out pretty much as expected. She spent her money in the first three days. The fourth day she cried. Then something cool happened. She figured it out! Now, when she asks to watch a movie and I explain she can watch a movie when she gets more money on Friday, she gets excited. She has something to look forward too.

An unexpected benefit: my scheme may cure the same-movie-day-after-day phenomenon. Every time she's asked to watch a movie, it's been a different one. (Or maybe she's just trying to find a chink in the armor by choosing a movie she thinks I will like.)

Time will tell, but I sense success.

Comments

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