When I was younger, my Mom applied a really good ‘trick’ on me every Halloween, although I was too young to know I was being tricked! Every Halloween, when I got back home to organize my candy and chocolates, deem which neighbors I would definitely like to visit next year and who to avoid (ha!), my Mom would hand me what she called a “Prize List”. The List had on it different chores I didn’t enjoy doing, such as taking out the trash and washing the dishes, as well as privileges I enjoyed, like talking on the phone or staying out late to play with the other kids on my block. Next to each thing was a ‘Candy Value’ so I would know how much they would cost me. For example, 30 minutes TV = 20 pieces (I wasn’t allowed to watch TV on schooldays so often I saved my candy for this!  

Looking back, I think it worked like a charm! My teeth were saved, and I still got all the fun of dressing up and going trick or treating with my friends…. AND on some days I got to watch TV and buy my way out of taking out the trash!

~Jennifer*