House Rules Are Real Rules

I set up this whole system of rewards and consequences for the kids to keep them on track. Like if they clean their room without being asked three times in a row, they get extra screen time or a special treat. But you know what happens? The second they see me coming with an empty promise jar, out come all the excuses and drama. And I swear, they try everything from puppy dog eyes to flat-out lying about doing their chores. It's like the moment I show up, they suddenly forget half of what we agreed on. But here’s a secret: when no one is watching, I sometimes take that extra screen time for myself or treat myself to some ice cream just because I earned it too. It’s my way of balancing things out after all their nonsense.