Better Behavior This Christmas
Stop The Insanity!
It’s no secret that kids are not on their best behavior in December. Despite (or because of) the lure of presents and treats, most kids are bouncing off the walls, becoming whinier than usual, and just generally driving their parents up a wall.
Sure, you’ve tried the, “Santa’s watching, so you better be good” standby. But it’s not great; it just doesn’t feel right. That’s because A) it’s actually kinda creepy when you stop to think about it, B) it does nothing to change kid’s behavior, C) it keeps the focus of Christmas on Santa/receiving gifts, and D) it doesn’t change your behavior.
A Better Way to Better Behavior
So this year, may I suggest a happier, more joyful, gentler way of getting your kids to behave? It’ll help you nag less, and change the way you interact with your kiddos, too. AND (huge bonus) it helps re-focus Christmas back on Jesus!
All you have to do is create a small manger, and fill it with straw for Jesus in time for Christmas! (It’s ok- I’m not crafty either, it can be as simple as a shoebox and yarn.) You could call it “Fill the Manger” or “Straw for Jesus.” If you come up with a clever name, let me know! (Credit to Kendra Tierney for introducing me to this twist on a token reward system.)
HOW to Start
First, the materials. You’ll need some yellow yarn, and a shoe box. That’s really it, but you can get fancier if you want from there.
- Introduce it to kids by telling them their goal is to fill the manger with straw for Jesus by Christmas Eve so he has somewhere soft to lay down.
- They can get this straw by doing good, kind, helpful, or generous things.
- Remember to dole out the yarn/straw.
It’s super simple, but I love this system for so many reasons. And not just because token systems are a very effective tool for behavior management. And once you start seeing all the benefits, I know you’ll love it, too!
Why “Fill the Manger” Is Such A Great System
Better sibling relationships. If you have more than one kid, you’re creating a team that is working toward a shared goal. What a great way to build sibling relationships!
You make it work for you. I like leaving the rules of how you get yarn super vague by only saying, “Do good things.” That way you have as much discretion and wiggle room as you want! You can even give lengths of yarn that are bigger, based on what your kid actually did. I’ve given yarn/straw for things as simple as listening the first time, and doing chores without being asked. I’ve also had the chance to reward kids for going WAY above and beyond (and you should’ve seen his eyes when I produce a 3′ piece of yarn!)
Finding the good. One of the nicest things about this system is that it will change the way you relate to your kids. Yes, you will still have to redirect them, etc. But you’ll find yourself looking for the good in your son or daughter. Even them just doing what’s expected of them, without drama, is considered rewardable behavior!
Reward them as much as you want! Since you’re just giving out lengths of yarn, you can be as generous as you want. No worries about cost, or spoiling your kids, or their teeth rotting because of allllll the Christmas cookies!
There’s nothing to worry about. There’s no stuffed elf to move every night, or worrying that your kids will figure out how Santa really delivers all those toys. I’m not trying to be a Scrooge- that special Christmas ‘magic’ is what makes this time so wonderful in many of our memories! But it’s nice to have a few traditions that aren’t shrouded in mystery!
Enjoy Your Kids Again
Once you start this new tradition, you will absolutely notice better behavior in your kids. (Not to mention, your voice will be less hoarse since you’re not hollering at them about Santa, or that elf, watching them all the time!) Christmas-time will never be the same, again!
If you would like more fun ideas, that you can actually use in your real life , sign-up for the newsletter below! Hope to talk to you soon!
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