I was cleaning up some files today and stumbled across an ancient gem: bonus bucks. These were little Monopoly-based bills that I’d printed, which we’d give to the kids when they did something good.
It could be as simple as being nice to their siblings, or helping with the dishes, or doing their homework without being asked. They could then spend their bonus bucks on “prizes” which ranged from staying up 15 minutes extra to having dinner out as a family. It was actually a pretty good system, and I remember the kids really enjoying it. It promoted good behavior, taught them about saving, and was a good mix of serious and silly. Good times.