The Piggy Bank

We've started to use the Piggy Bank that Addie received for Christmas. It's a special piggy bank. There are 4 different sections: Save, Spend, Donate and Invest. I explained to her what money in each section could be used for. For example, she could save her money for a new toy, spend it on an ice cream cone, donate it to people who don't have very much money of their own and need it more than we do, or invest it for college (which she knows about, thanks to Blue's Clues). Whenever she chooses a certain section, for example, invest, I'll remind her that once that section is full, we can take it to the "big bank" and put it there until she is older, but that she won't be able to use it for a while.

She currently earns quarters when she follows her bedtime rule. The rule is as follows: once she is bed, she is not to get out. She must stay in bed until her light comes on in the morning. This light is a night light that is set on a timer. Once the light comes on, she is allowed to get out of bed and quietly read her books until someone comes to get her. It's been working great. She has the not-getting-out-of-bed part down and has about a 50% success rate on the latter half of the rule. Sometimes she dresses herself (potentially dangerous), sometimes she brushes her teeth (messy), sometimes she opens and closes her door (occasionally wakes Chase), and today, for example, she went potty (which I can't blame her for!)

She gets really excited to earn her quarter and it's a nice alternative to treats which she used to ask for when she would obey the rule. Plus she is learning the value of money. Or as much as a 3 year old can comprehend, I suppose!

She tends to favor 2 different sections - spend (she really loves ice cream!) and donate. Every time she chooses donate, I remind her that we will be sending that money to someone who lives far away and that the money will no longer be hers. After hearing this, she slowly, yet confidently, drops the quarter into the slot.

I really think she gets it. I'm so proud.