Works-for-me-Wed. - getting kids to pick up their stuff

My best tip this week is called the "10 item pick-up". I've learned that the best way to get kids (or even me) to do the right thing (like pick up their own belongings) is to make it easier than doing it the wrong way (like dumping them wherever). Around our house if you leave out your belongings, like a backpack, I just say "Bubby, Backpack plus 10". He then has to pick up the backpack and put it where it goes and then pick up 10 other items that are out of place and put them where they go. I've also used this for potty flushing ("Flush plus 10") and a friend has adapted it for thumb sucking in a 1st grader - says it's worked great! It's easy to say it in a calm pleasant tone and not nag, because, hey, that's 10 fewer times I have to bend over and pick something up (it is best to keep the glee out of your voice). (If it takes too long to get started - it goes to 20). It works for me! For more great ideas go on back to Rocks in My Dryer!