Parental bribery?...NEVER!

Okay...so maybe once in a while! Before Paige started school, she was telling us that she would never walk in the door. We were a little concerned. So, we decided to make a deal...otherwise known in some families as bribery. She has been talking about this "jungle" toy that she used to play with at my friend's house in NY. The deal was if she went to school for a full week with no "fits," she could choose a few of the jungle animals. She was sold!!! Today was the final day of the week and she did great!! Her chart was on her bedroom door and every afternoon she would run in and ask to put her sticker on. We made a big deal out of it and said that after school, we would eat lunch at McDonalds, then go shopping with just the girls for her prizes. She immediately chimed in, "But I won't have my last sticker because my chart will be on my door." Hence the above picture of her chart, taped to the seat of the car. She was thrilled!
Amazing what "chicken" nuggets, french fries and chocolate milk can do for a kids appetite! Nathan took a nap at Nanny's house while the girls went shopping. The first store had nothing she was hoping for. The second store had the elephant she has been talking about...HOORAY!!! Off to store three for the actual jungle.
We ended up back at Nanny and Papa's house with...A PIRATE SHIP?!?!?! Come to find out, after all of the hype and excitement, she hates the jungle. Actually, she was TERRIFIED of the jungle. Are ya kidding me, kid? So, after browsing the toy section, she pleaded for the pirate ship. It's a girls perogative to change her mind, right?
Nathan was quite pleased with her selection because she forgot about the elephant long enough for him to play! So, YES...I bribed my daughter for good behavior. Really, though...it's a good technique. She asked me at bedtime tonight why school was over so soon. I told her that it isn't over, she gets to go back next week. She thought once we bought the toy, school was done...and she was sad! I think the plan worked, friends!!