bribe vs incentive

I am all for giving my kids incentives.  I've heard parents say that they don't believe in bribing their children.  Well neither do I!  Bribing involves criminal activity and I'm not that desperate.

Anyway, Brenda has been refusing to comply with teeth-brushing time.  And by refusing I mean screaming, crying, slamming doors, hitting...  And by the time she is disciplined, held-down, brushed and sent to bed we are all tired and grumpy.  Time for some incentives!!  So I made this chart-

Each time she complies with a proper brushing she gets a square checked off.  Twice a day.  Hopefully each week she fills a line and then gets herself a new lego set.  (You know those 4-5 dollar little sets?)  After a month I'm hoping to just do a check per day and start stretching out the rewards.  Otherwise this will turn into a bribe as I will be forced to start stealing legos.  (Those babies add up!)

And since I am a nifty-chartmaker I rewarded myself by drawing up a new dream house plan.  The kitchen is raised up with a half-wall, giving separation with an open feel.  And I'm willing to have a third guest bathroom if the kids will leave it alone...

Now let's have cereal for dinner.  ;)