Job Jar

Rationale

 

            Many parents have tried “grounding’ their children for misbehavior. One effective way of doing this is the Job Jar procedure. Job-based grounding can be used as a consequence to children’s misbehavior. It works because it can be used shortly after misbehavior occurs, can be adapted to meet the needs of a child’s behavior, and makes it easy to define the start and end of punishment. The last point is important because this may lead to greater compliance by the child with the punishment procedures. In essence, the end of punishment is controlled by the child, which often helps to motivate him or her to complete the required tasks.

 

General Description

 

            The Job Jar procedure involves developing a list of chores that can be completed by the child, writing those down individually on separate pieces of paper, and placing them into some type of container. When misbehavior happens (that has been previously decided upon and explained to the child), the child has to select a pre-determined number of chores from the job jar (you are able to vary this depending on the severity of the misbehavior). Then, the child is on restriction (i.e., without privileges) until he or she completes the jobs.

 

Steps of Procedure

 

1. Create a list of chores/jobs that the child can complete. Because this procedure is intended to curb misbehavior, the chores/jobs selected should be mildly unpleasant and not liked by the offending child. The jobs can range from additional household chores (e.g., must complete designated dinner chore, plus others’ dinner chores, raking leaves, cleaning the toilet, cleaning windows, washing cars, washing baseboards) to tasks (e.g., write a 100 word essay about why the behavior was inappropriate and how it affected others). Household jobs are preferred over “menial” tasks. It is important that the child be able to complete the job, although not too easily. Chores that take 2 minutes or less may not be appropriate.

 

• Note that these jobs should not take the place of restitution (e.g., if a child steals, he or she should return the items; if the child hurts someone, he or she should apologize).

• Also, these jobs do not take the place of standing household chores. The child is still expected to complete regular chores, and is to complete those assigned in addition.

 

2. Once the list is created, each job should be written on a small piece of paper, and those papers are then placed into the jar.

 

3. When misbehavior occurs, the child is required to select a pre-determined number of jobs from the jar. Remember, this procedure is intended to replace other forms of punishment, not supplement them. Therefore, this should be the consequence procedure that is used. However, you are able to vary the procedure to fit your needs. Examples of variations include:

 

• If the use of jobs does not seem to be decreasing misbehavior, then you can choose to increase the number of jobs the child must select and complete before being off restriction.

 

• Vary the number of days that the child must select jobs from the jar. For example, for behaviors that are mildly problematic, the child may be required to select and complete 3 jobs on 3 days. For more serious infractions, the number of jobs and/or days may be increased accordingly.

 

4. Once the child is told that he or she is required to select jobs from the jar, he or she is on restriction (i.e., without privileges). To increase the likelihood that the child completes the jobs, you may want to consider setting it up so that the child will be required to complete more jobs if those originally assigned are not completed in a specified period of time. However, be careful that the child does not dig him- or herself into a hole that is too difficult to get out of (e.g., has 25 jobs to do before s/he can get off restriction).

 

5. Once the child has completed the required jobs, punishment is over. No more discussion, punishment, or other consequence is needed.

 

Ways of Increasing the Success of the Job Jar Procedure

 

• Being “on restriction” means the following are not available:

  Anything that uses electricity or batteries (e.g., telephone, television, Game Boy)

  Favorite snacks, treats, or meals

  Special trips to restaurants or other outings

  Visits from friends

 

• The following should not be denied while the child is on restriction:

  Involvement in extra curricular activities, such as sports or clubs

  Involvement in family outings that have been planned for some time

  Avoidance of daily family activities, such as meals

 

• Parents rules until child has completed assigned jobs:

  No nagging or cajoling

  No reminding

  No bargaining or reducing consequences

  No yelling, screaming, or threatening