My Great Idea

 reprinted from 2009

My intentions were good...but the results were bad. Just plain bad. The idea came together and seemed to have great potential, and it was even based on sound Biblical concepts. The plan was to have several vintage jars (to add character and minimize the potential look of clutter) lined up on the shelf filled with a variety of candy. Plain and peanut M&M's, jelly bellies, malted balls and chocolate covered raisins. On every jar would be a character trait, with the definition, and each time a child demonstrated that character trait, they could have a reward from the jar. An extra incentive? A sibling could recognize another for displaying a particular character trait. Encouragement, biblical character development, a reward system...it was all good.

After making a small (worthwhile) investment in candy, the jars were lined up and ready to go. We also agreed that we would offer a piece of candy for a potty training incentive, so implementation began immediately. One snag...no ink in the printer. Though the enthusiasm was high, we held off starting the rewards for the older children because I really wanted them to have those character definitions. This would be great learning, and fun!

Each night went by with no ink, no definitions, but I was still doing my share of work. So I felt a little reward would be encouraging to me. And once during the day I needed a little something. And then a handful.At night daddy sometimes needed a little handful too, and just for fun I would join him.

The little ones would always choose the pretty jelly bellies for their potty-training treat (one!), but the older children began to notice the level of candy steadily dropping in each jar. I was guilty, and though I wanted them to exercise self-control, it was clear that I had none. It was absolutely pathetic. So, the jars are empty and put away, and mommy is the poster child for needing to develop the character quality of self-control.