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Throwback Thursday: Winner's Circle


If you're looking for a creative way to make your morning routine smoother, this is something I did when our boys were young. To clear up any confusion about our boys: At 10 years old, Logan chose to go by his middle name, Michael. 

This was first published in 2010.

Our mornings are hectic just like everyone else's. I found myself yelling more than I like to so I came up with this crazy idea - and it's working.

We all went to the trophy store and chose three trophies. The trophies were "engraved" with one of these:
  • Today's Winner: Good Breakfast Eater
  • Today's Winner: Excellent at Following Directions
  • Today's Winner: Showing Good Behavior
Rules:
  1. Each morning, Ben, Logan and Sean have the opportunity to receive one or more of the trophies.
  2. At the end of the morning, they may be presented with a trophy. 
  3. Not everyone has to get a trophy. 
  4. The winner keeps the trophy in their room for the day (think Stanley Cup). 
  5. At night, the trophy goes back on the shelf in the kitchen, ready for the next morning's ceremony.
Why is it working?
  1. My focus is on the boys' good behavior, rather than the things they are doing wrong. I am yelling less.
  2. Since I am in charge of giving out the trophies, I am looking for positive behavior because I want them to succeed.
  3. Kids are involved in the solution. They know what is expected to get one of the three trophies, so their focus is on the goal.

    All three trophies cost $16. Small price to pay for peace.
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