We reward our kids with books. We don’t pay them allowance for chores or give money for good grades. We don’t often bribe with toys or candy. I’m not going to pretend we never do, because we are parents and lets be real, sometimes this is the only trick we have left up our sleeve. But, in general we try to set standards we feel the kids can attain without being bribed. Try is the optimal word here.
I’m not sure exactly how long ago this started, but we started rewarding the kids with books. Yes, technically it is something bought and therefore could be considered a bribe. But, how I look at it is at least we are rewarding with reading which is educational. So, therefore, I don’t feel too bad buying them books for acts of good deeds, good weeks at school, good listening, good reading at home, good bedtimes, you name it
Usually we just decide something like, “Hey, you guys were really helpful this week, why don’t we go to the book store?” Or, “We know you worked really hard for a really long time on your project, we are so proud of you. Let’s have a family date at the bookstore.” And, off we go or we set a date. We like Daddy to come with us and we try to make it a family affair. However, with his crazy work schedule that is not always the case. But, we do try to have as many family bookstore dates as possible. We also like to try to have family reading nights. By this I mean, Arti reads Harry Potter ( we are on book four ) with the older kids while I get the baby to bed and then I join them. I have finished the series so I don’t feel left out at all. I join the second I can. It’s been really fun to get into a series with them and I’m so happy Arti thought to start it. It’s definitely something we bond over.
On this particular day it was suppose to rain, hence the umbrellas. My niece was over and we all decided a rainy day at the bookstore sounded amazing. We got ready, headed out, and no rain, but yes bookstore. I love how into picking out books the kids get. I don’t love that sometimes there are meltdowns when they can’t decide which “one” to pick. But, it’s all a learning experience. We have had lots of “teachable moments” at bookstores. You know those times in parenting where you give yourself a pep talk, because what you have to explain to them is something important. Like, one book really does mean one book.
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