Caught Ya

"Stop that!"

"Don't hit your brother!"

"Why can't you two just get along?!?"

That was the sound of my house not too long ago.

My boys are quite competitive and often have difficulty getting along.  

I was desperate to find a way to encourage them to treat each other with a little kindness

...and less like butting rams.

I came across this little gem on Pinterest and decided to give it a try.

via

I wanted the boys to focus on the good behaviors they have.
When the jar is full, they will get a small reward.
It's not so much about the reward but it's a tangible way to
let them know they are behaving well, and it is reinforced right then and there.
It has also helped me to focus on all the good they do!

I'd have to say that for the most part it is working well.  Now we just need to work on being humble...
often when they do something good, they ask if they are getting a noodle
(I use raw noodles for each "caught ya" moment to fill up the jar).

Parenthood has done wonders for me to better understand God's love for me.
I often marvel at how he could possibly love me so much in light of all my sin.
But the way I love my boys even when they are not
at their best helps me to have a little better understanding of
God's patience and never-ending love.

I bet God has a caught ya jar for each of us, 
storing up all our good deeds for our ultimate reward in heaven ;)