It may not be pretty, but it works!!

I can't stand it when my children fight.  It would get to the point where I would start yelling, and trying to dish out punishments that I couldn't remember and it just seemed like nothing was working.  I would say "you're grounded" but what does that mean?  And for how long?  It was hard to figure out and with five kids I couldn't keep track of all the punishments!  One time I sent Tayla to her room and forgot about her.  I felt really bad!  Well, I think I found a system that works.  It works for ALL of my kids ages 4, 7, 9, 11 and 12.  It has been a lifesaver.   Meet my green, yellow and red chart. (you can click on it to see it better.)

I didn't get the idea from anywhere online, I actually thought of it all by myself.  I can't take the credit though, the thought came to me and I saw the chart in my mind after a very heartfelt prayer one day.  I immediately sat down and made it.  Then I called a family meeting and explained it.  It is simple and direct.  Each child has a little clip with the first letter of their name on it.  I am the only one who can touch them.  And since I have started this chart NOT ONE of my kids has been on the red.  The first time I had to move an un-named child to the yellow he started crying.  All of the kids have been on yellow a few times, but they work really hard to get back to green.  They stay on the color as long as I think they need to.  I have felt so much more peace in my home with this simple chart.  To stay on the green chores need to be done, you need to be helpful and kind.  The privileges you get are listed.  If you call names, dis-obey or talk back to mom or dad you are moved to yellow.  You then are given 1-4 things to do depending on the severity of your actions.  If you hit each other and start fighting you are moved to red and those punishments are not fun.  (Especially the call dad one!)  But like I said, no red for anyone and I've been using this chart for almost 4 weeks.  I just wanted to share this with you.  It may help you think of a system that works for your family.  I am loving it so far!!!  Beth