Hello, my name is Chris and welcome to the handipoints blog.
What would you like to know about me?
I married my trophy husband straight out of graduate school, gave birth to seven children… yes, seven. We own a historic old house that we are in the process of rescuing from a century of neglect and bad taste. In my spare time I drool over the Pottery Barn catalog and carry paint swatches around in my pocketbook the way other people carry photos of their children.
I am an artist and a writer and an organizational freak. If I can put it in a container or a basket, I will.
I hate to cook.
I refuse to iron.
And frequently wonder if fashion designers make a line of clothing as a joke. Leggings — because…?
According to some people I may have married I have an unhealthy love of shoes. A love which I have passed on to my only daughter.
So, why I am writing for this blog?
More than anything I want a harmonious home. I don’t want to nag my children. I want them to be respectful, understand the value of hard work, and not have a sense of entitlement from which I see so many children suffer.
And why are you here reading?
Are you looking for a way to motivate your children to do chores without having to nag them constantly? Are you looking for a way to set up chore charts easily? Are you looking for something that appeals to both you and your children?
I am going to take this space to answer some of the very basic questions that people ask when they first hear about Handipoints.
What is Handipoints?
Handipoints is an online system for parents and children to use together. Parents can set up individual chore and behavior lists for each child in the family. The lists are completely customizable to suit your needs as are the rewards, or allowance, that each individual child receives.
Children can track their progress, review their chore lists, and watch their points add up as they work toward their reward.
Chores? Do my children really need to be doing chores?
I think so. In our house the family is a team. We work together to get things done.
Children take pride in helping. It helps them have healthy self-esteem, not to mention that having an allowance helps children learn to manage money. No one is suggesting you shackle your children to the radiator and make them scrub the bathroom tile with a toothbrush.
You can also use Handipoints as incentives for good behavior, which is always much more effective than punishing for bad behavior. Add something to their lists like: “Caught being helpful to a sibling,” or “Showing extraordinary kindness.” This gives you a way of rewarding them and letting them know that even small things don’t go unnoticed.
I just want to thank you for the courage to have seven children. I have three so far, and hope to be blessed with more someday. Large families are such a blessing that a lot of people miss out on!!
Thanks also for this great website and system!!!
God Bless,
Krystin
Comment by Krystin — June 18, 2007 @ 1:11 pm
Hi there:
I think I just found my long lost sister, haha I sure can relate to you, but we just have 5 children though, I don’t think I have the courage to have two more children. Thanks for your words of wisdom, and the encouragement to continue doing what we are doing, trying to rase the next generation to be a good one…thanks!!!
Comment by Erika — June 18, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
Hi brave woman!
I am a Nana, raising two grands. Going through this the second time around isn’t as easy as the first time…energy is lacing. However, love is twice as strong. I look forward to reading what you have to share.
Comment by Sharon — June 18, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
Thanks for the welcome.
I could use a sitter, Eryka. Oh wait you said SISTER. Well I could use one of those too
Comment by Chris — June 18, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
Ok, this is so cool, I have found someone with the same problem, I have a shoe problem,I too have passed this on to my 4 children 3 girls and a boy a few friends who have to look at my shoes whenever I walk into the room, and my mother lost all control. I have a question I have been trying to figure out, how do you put a price on the allowance per week per chore per age I just can’t find it and I don’t want to be too cheap. Did you make this website? I still have yet to view everything. Thank you, and it is nice to hear you talk as if you really do like your husband, I feel like I am the only one around here(Florida) that really loves to spend time and love him, out of all the friends we have that is pretty sad.Let me know as soon as you can please I need to make a chart my 4 year old is driving to the looney place we all think we are most of the time. Laura
Comment by Laura — June 22, 2007 @ 9:20 am
Your site is really neat. I am still learning to navigate and get my kids used to it. However I too love shoes (and have passed this to my daughter) and agree with the leggings fashion. I have two kids, one daughter age 7 and one son age 3. I am always looking for helpful tips.
Comment by Jennifer — July 20, 2007 @ 8:59 pm
I also share your joy of being a mother of 7. What an awesome undertaking. I am looking forward to the new ideas to try. I agree with Sharon, my older kids probably had me at my most energetic, but the younger kids definitely have the patience and “take time to smell the roses” side of me. I am glad to see that there are other families that use chores and allowances as teachable opportunities. My oldest is almost 21 and my youngest is 2 1/2 and it is amazing how much I have learned that you can do without over the last 2 decades. Love, time and attention go a long way in a child’s heart.
Comment by Kelli — July 29, 2007 @ 5:19 am
We had our first Family Meeting last night, after being a married/blended family for 9 months. Together, we have an 11 yr old, two 9 yr olds, and a 4 month old. It was time for everyone to pitch in. We discussed chores and they all got upset. But, I think with this, they’ll have “fun.” Thank you so much! You’ve saved me so much time and arguments!
Comment by Mary — August 17, 2007 @ 8:24 am