"Do you really want to sit there?"

I have in general good kids who do as they are told.  But, I get a little tired of having to do all the telling.

Every once in awhile I come up with a 'system' of rewards, consequences and lists of todo tasks.
they generally encourage the children to accomplish their tasks, and I can trade my 'go do X, Y and Z" for "go check the list.

Generally I get tired of having to keep track of points, rewards, or lack there of, and we slowly fall out of the habit yet again.

This week I was inspired to start fresh.  We now have a fresh list, and a fresh outlook.  Supposedly the kids have a simple short list of tasks, (like brushing teeth, getting dressed, a chore)  With a time limit.

The time idea is new.  I allowed enough leeway so that if they do not get done correctly I still have time to be the 'slave driver' pestering them every step of the way.  Though of course there are no rewards for being done late, I will only reward them if the work is done without my nagging.

Sigh I admit it, I have begun nagging, I hate that.

So far after two days, no one has more than 2 points (out of a possible 8), and there have been lots of tears.

But I have seen improvement.  Princess finished her morning routine getting ready for church with nothing more than a 'you really want to sit there' from me.  I couldn't help myself, something about a kid with a todo list that is just sitting really gets me cranky.  I though it a rather mild nag though.

Of course there have also been several instances of me saying 'TIME CHECK 10 MINUTES'.  I didn't leave that much leeway, or rather I just can't keep my mouth shut!

I have discovered that Little Man is the most purposeful child right now.  He has been close to earning points more often than the rest.

I have high hopes of course, though the realist in me suggests this will once again fall by the wayside as I forget to remain neutral, and as they fall into the habit of waiting for mommy to tell them what to do.