I have 4 children ages 9, 7, 4 and 2 and another on the way. I started the marble jar about 6 mo. ago. My 9 year old doesn't like it but I get things done that I need from him and he gets to do things he wants....which he LOVES to play anything electronic. So this is what our system looks like:
You can earn more marbles by – this is w/o having to be asked/reminded
15 - Reading a book for 15 minutes, (20 – 20 min etc.)
2 – Using your manners – please, thank you, excuse me etc.
2 – Brush your teeth
1 - Getting dressed
3 – Empty dishwasher (5 if you put them all away, 3 if you only empty it)
3 – Empty washer into dryer (ask 1st)
3 – Bring laundry down
4 – Praising sibling/showing kindness
2 – Making bed
3 – BONUS * if none is removed all day
Sarah only:
5 – Not peeing in pull up at night
5 – Staying in own bed all night (this is 10 p.m. – 7 a.m.)
Lose Marbles
5 – If I have to ask more than once for you to do something
5 – Arguing w/each other
3 – Playing game system when not allowed (this also playing over the allowed time)
5 – Lying
4 – Taking a toy from someone else w/o politely asking for it
5 – Taking more than 5 minutes in the shower
3 – Turning on the TV w/o asking
3 – Whining
4 – Unkind words to anyone (ugly, stupid etc.)
IF you take any out or try to cheat the system in any way – you lose all your marbles.
Rewards
*Allowed 30 minutes of free TV time during school year weekdays
*Allowed 60 minutes of free TV time during school year weekends
15 – Get 30 minutes of extra TV time
30 – Get 30 minutes of game time (this is Wii, gaming systems, and computer)
15 – Stay up extra 15 minutes – this has to be cashed in before 7 p.m. to be effective for the current day
Nathaniel bedtime (9:00 p.m.)
Isaiah bedtime (8:45 p.m.)
Sarah & Silas bedtime (8:30 p.m.)
50 - $5 cash
100 - $10
This allows them to control how much game time they have because misbehavior can eliminate their marbles. My 7 year old wants to play for 12 minutes and I am a stickler for it being at least 30 minutes because they get involved and don't want to turn it off. I monitor this w/a timer.
Good luck!