Time Banking

Ever heard of time banking?  I tried google-ing it but only found information about opening bank accounts!

I heard of time banking for the first time today from fellow mommy Sandra. Sandra suggested this as an option to get children to do their homework or housework or chores, etc.  How it works is that you make an agreement with your child that he/she will do or finish the work in a certain amount of time.  If they manage to do so, then they get a credit of a certain amount of time to do what they want.  For example, if they can finish their homework in 30 minutes then they get 10 minutes of computer games time.  It sounds like a good idea, especially knowing how challenging homework time can be for Yasmin.

She's getting better though, our little Yasmin.  She used to get many 'incomplete!' remarks in her homework last year but this year it's gone down and we have managed to get her (sometimes pleadingly, coaxingly) to finish her homework.  But it's also mostly because now she has a fear that the teacher will scold her if she doesn't finish it.  That's not so good, kan?  I mean, I don't want her to do it just because of fear.  I want her to have fun in the learning and doing process.  So yeah, this time banking idea seems like a good one to try out.

Sandra also suggests that you keep check of their time 'account'.  For example, let it accumulate... they can only claim their 'time' when they have reached a minimum 30 minutes available in their accounts. :) Heee...  She says it is also a good way to teach them math at the same time.  How many minutes do they put in and how many have they claimed.   You can even create the time account book for them to keep record.  Another thumbs up idea!

For your info, Sandra home schools her daughter so I know she has a lot of experience and know how with these ideas to try for your kids.  Give it a try mommies! (Daddies too...)