Lynda Loveland: Road testing 'discipline in a jar'

She reached in and drew 'weed the natural area'. Boy, did that bring back memories. Although her area was a heck of a lot smaller than the half acre garden I tackled as a kid. As she followed me out the back door I overhead my son say, "Can I weed too?" My husband, a bit frustrated, coolly replied, "No, it's supposed to be punishment!" What? Did that really happen?

We had a second road test yesterday. My son acted up and he had to draw twice. He was not having a good day. He reached in and his first task was to "clean the side of the stairs." He drew a second time. I read it out loud. It said, 'clean the toilets'. I was expecting a less than favorable reaction. But before my son could speak my three-year-old daughter said, "I want to clean toilets too!" I actually had to say, "No, you have to wait your turn." Has that phrase ever been uttered by a parent?

Anyway, he cleaned the toilets with a smile on his face and said he would make mine all nice and shiny. Gee thanks.

I don't really know what to think about the Jar of Consequences just yet. I think it's made the whole discipline thing a bit calmer, which is good. And my house is getting cleaner.

But who taught my kids reverse psychology!!!!!