Comments on: P365 - Day 128 (Healthier Living)

By: De'Etta

De'Etta — Fri, 11 May 2007 00:31:39 +0000

Go Kathy and family! Go crunchy! ::snort::

By: KME

KME — Thu, 10 May 2007 08:54:17 +0000

Cindy - in some ways it feels wrong that I have to bribe the kids to be healthier. At the same time, a little encouragement and motivation isn’t a bad thing, it’s helpful. Since Tim and I bring certain food issues (ie bad habits) into the family, we have to work against that at times with positive reinforcement.

The vegetables are being the biggest struggle for the children and fitting in time to exercise is the biggest hurdle for Tim. I fall somewhere in between. When I’m in the grove of things, I have no trouble finding time to exercise. I love to walk with a neighbor friend or work out at the Y. When the days get busy, however, it’s easy to let a whole day go by without any exercise. Tim is so tired in the evening that he doesn’t have any energy to fit in some exercise. Of course, that’s self-fulfilling (in the negative way) as adding exercise IN TO his schedule would actually give him MORE energy. It would take a while, however, to feel the benefits. He did get on the treadmill Tuesday night so he’s definitely trying.

Thanks for commenting!

By: KME

KME — Thu, 10 May 2007 08:48:48 +0000

Amy W - no way!! You guys started using chips? How cool! Tim wants to know if you’re using poker chips or something else? I must say it has really taken a good deal of the pressure off of me as well (as you mentioned). I don’t have to worry about how much time they are spending on the computer. The kids are much more self-regulated. They occasionally choose to play another 30 minute chip, but usually they stop at the 30 minute mark and go off to play or read books. It’s lovely!

Of course, on a weekend, the kids (and Tim) manage to spend a nice pile of computer chips. Still, it’s much more reasonable when there are limits and the responsibility is handed over to the children. I’m still amazed that Tim is willing to submit himself to this regulation as well.

By: KME

KME — Thu, 10 May 2007 08:45:42 +0000

Aunt Kate - do you want a chart and a set of chips as well? I can’t believe how motivated the children are. They carry their charts around and brag about how many points they have and how much more they have to go. I doubt the enthusiasm level will stay this high but it’s awfully cheerful right now.

By: Dorothy

Dorothy — Thu, 10 May 2007 07:34:39 +0000

What fun!

I hope it keeps working!

By: Aunt Kate

Aunt Kate — Thu, 10 May 2007 01:33:37 +0000

Can I get in on the game?

I am proud of you!! I love you EACH. AK

By: Anne Chamberlin

Anne Chamberlin — Wed, 09 May 2007 21:33:06 +0000

Great ideas. It occurs to me that one could do a system like this with any new thing one is trying to encourage…flash card work comes to mind (wry smile), etc. Kids love tangibles like the chips you give. “I can touch it and see it” is a good thing. Love it! ARC

By: Amy Grant

Amy Grant — Wed, 09 May 2007 18:26:16 +0000

HA HA!!

I love it! This is so awesome. I think I will try this….

Thanks so much for the detailed breakdown of your plan. Awesome!

By: Amy Werthman

Amy Werthman — Wed, 09 May 2007 17:51:40 +0000

I love that you are using the chips for all kinds of different rewards, even eating right. We just started using them this week for computer time, per your idea, and it is working great!! They aren’t playing as much, and I am not needing to be the referee, since they have to think about how much time and week they have left. Thanks for all your great ideas. Keep them coming!

By: Debbie

Debbie — Wed, 09 May 2007 17:03:40 +0000

Great idea, Kathy! Way to go, kids! Bessie does well on her own, but the youngers would just as soon eat junk all day. Brian and I do okay, but we tend to eat too much…of everything!