We’ve been searching for a reliable, easy-to-follow, stick-with-it system for teaching our children responsibility. Accountable Kids is just what we’ve been looking for!
At ages 3 & 5, our two children are at the perfect stage for learning how to take ownership of their rooms and have pride in their belongings. They are also both into helping around the house, asking to assist with cleaning or projects….although the offered aid is intermittent and haphazard. With Accountable Kids, we can customize our childrens’ chores according to their age level and abilities.
The Accountable Kids program was thought up and created by real parents, Scott & Traci Heaton, a couple whose desires for parenting their own kids in a responsible, mindful way inspired them to create a system to help their efforts along. Unlike other programs, Accountable Kids was designed with morals and values being at the core of its makeup…turning the “what” in regards to what’s expected of little members of a household into more into the “why.” It was evident after a while that parents and children everywhere could benefit tremendously from a program such as this. Accountable Kids was born.
Accountable Kids is designed to work most satisfactorily for children ages 3-14. Each Accountable Kids Basic Start Up Package includes an Accountable Kids book with quick-start DVD, wooden pegged progress board, 50 reminder (chore) cards, 3 blank reminder cards, 10 Tickets, 10 Bonus Bucks, 4 Best Behavior Cards, 2 Privilege Passes, 3 Special Date Cards, and 2 sticker sheets. The book and the quick-start DVD gives you all of the information you need to know to begin implementing the Accountable Kids program in your home.
The progress boards can be painted and customized to your child’s liking, a project which our children enjoyed immensely. Just the task of decorating their shelves helped them claim ownership of their tasks and take pride in their efforts even more.
Earning tickets for each morning’s, afternoon’s, and evening’s tasks completed becomes a game, something they look forward to each day. A methodical, tangible way of keeping up with what’s expected of them each day makes the tasks less daunting and truly helps our kids feel more a part of how household works. We’ve noticed instances of one child helping the other complete his/her tasks when their own is completed….voluntarily and without being asked! (It is for those caught, seemingly “unnoticed” actions that you can further encourage such behavior by awarding a “Best Behavior” card to the helper.) AND! Extra chores can be completed for Bonus Bucks, which can be redeemed after a certain time period for cash.
Finally, too, a way to regulate how much television your kids can watch and how much time they spend playing video games. Every ticket earned can be “cashed in” for allotted time on a favorite leisure activity. In this way, Accountable Kids begins to teach children the value of working for something, saving up for something bigger, and weighing the value of an activity vs. the cost. It can transition beautifully into money management coaching as the kids grow older.
Accountable Kids has been noted to be a terrific addition to families who are seeking natural treatment for ADHD. It has been esteemed by Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Dr. Stephen R. Covey, and several clinical psychologists.
You can purchase the Accountable Kids Basic Start Up Package for $45. If you have two or more children, add additional child kits for just $24.98. Other packages, accessories, and additional supplies are also available. You can order Accountable Kids kits online through their website, or at these select retail stores nationwide.
Thanks to Accountable Kids, our children can be active participants in the keeping of our home and daily life…gaining responsibility, establishing work ethics, and receiving the satisfaction of seeing their efforts rewarded in a tangible way.
Win it! Thanks to Accountable Kids, I have an Accountable Kids Basic Start Up Package (for one child) to give away! To enter to win, tell me in a comment below something you learned from Accountable Kids’ website. Also, if you’d like, tell me your greatest challenge regarding teaching responsibility in your kids. I’ll close the contest next Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.
Congratulations to commenter #23, Nannette, the winner of the Accountable Kids Start Up Package!
FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Amber (2 years ago)
Looks like a great program! I think it’s neat that the site offers forums for parents too. I have been looking for a good way to add regular chores to my little guy’s routine.
shelly (2 years ago)
I like the discussion piece: The Family Forum presents an opportunity to discuss goals, problems, challenges, and accomplishments. It provides an opportunity to monitor progress and encourage positive behaviors.
An issue for us is ‘clean up.’
Cindi (2 years ago)
I like their ideas for decorating the
Accountable Kids Board! My challenge with responsibility and my children is keeping their rooms neat. Thanks, Cindi
Wendy (2 years ago)
I like how it is independently done, but also shows how it is a part of the family. Nice you can order more blank cards too. Our issue is me being consistent with my expectations, this would really help.
Nancye Davis (2 years ago)
I learned that the Accountable Kids Pack can help my kids to “learn to balance choices and consequences in a fun and productive manner” My 6 year old is going through a terrible stage now and I could really use the help of this program. I am truly at my wits end!
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Jen M (2 years ago)
I like that you can order more cards to fill in> It makes it personal and custom made.
LNS (2 years ago)
I think this would help my almost 3 year old start learning independence as she is normally glued to my leg! I love how they can help decorate the board.
Melissa (2 years ago)
This seems like a wonderful way to get my boys to do their chores without “nagging” them all the time. I like that it is more than just another chart and helps them develope self-confidence.
Deborah (2 years ago)
I love this program. My son will be 3 this summer and I think this would be perfect to teach him some responsibility. The fact that it makes it into a game will hopefully hold his attention more than trying to explain why we need to keep the toys picked up does now!
I also like that you can print out forms from their website.
I am bookmarking their website just in case I don’t win!
Kim (2 years ago)
I learned this part of it: The Privilege Pass, similar to the idea behind the traditional good behavior charts, is introduced to eliminate specific negative behaviors. And my biggest challenge is being consistent!
Angela Passey (2 years ago)
I’ve been reading up on this program for a couple of weeks now, and am getting so excited. It looks very motivational and fun and helpful in getting it organized and the kids being able to run it. I have four boys and have been trying and trying to involve them more with everything that needs to be done. It makes everyone happier when they do, including them!
aparna (2 years ago)
I liked the idea of decorating the account boards.
vidya (2 years ago)
i like the idea of tickets for basic and extra chores.. my challenge is being consistent in my reactions to their actions – both good and bad.. this might help provide both me and the kids a better way to do things
Sara B (2 years ago)
I like the printable forms they provide on the website, especially because they are in black and white! (no color printer here)
Carrie (2 years ago)
I learned that the program can be a natural way to help kids with ADHD and I think that’s awesome!
carrie.coffey@gmail.com
TRACY HEYER (2 years ago)
I like that you can order more cards to fill in and make some of your on cards!
Staci A (2 years ago)
I learned that Scott has fifteen years experience working with adolescents and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Our biggest challenge is find a reliable system of tracking progress. Some charts we’ve tried just haven’t been a good fit for us.
Thanks for the chance to enter!
K (2 years ago)
I learned that the program can be used with young kids all the way up through teenagers. Thanks for the giveaway!
Ren Jacobs (2 years ago)
I think this is just the kit that might save our butts! My little man needs something beyond a sticker chart!
I write an arts blog:
http://ladyofthearts.blogspot.com/
So I like that the website has creative ideas on how to decorate the progress chart
Ann Williams (2 years ago)
I learned that you can become and independent consultant for accountable kids.
Kelly Deaton (2 years ago)
I learned that Accountable Kids represents the combined knowledge of Scott’s fifteen years working with adolescents and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, along with Traci’s practicality and insight as a mother of three children. What more could you ask for?!
Judy B (2 years ago)
I like that it helps build self-control and confidence. They can feel good about themselves because they’re being productive, and not receiving empty praise.
Nannette Stromer (2 years ago)
I see how this could help my girls learn to do their chores without being reminded (nagged) each day. It can build their confidence and set a pattern of good habits for a lifetime. The benefit for the parents are the reward of seeing your children growing into responsible, confident young adults.
Vanessa (2 years ago)
I learned that Accountable Kids represents the combined knowledge of Scott’s fifteen years working with adolescents and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, along with Traci’s practicality and insight as a mother of three children.
marina (2 years ago)
I learnt that its important to teach even a preschooler the importance of being responsible for his/her environment
tina reynolds (2 years ago)
Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. really likes the product, and praises it thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com
jessica (2 years ago)
I learned What started out as a way to create a more harmonious family life in our home, grew into a complete parenting program suitable for other parents and children. Accountable Kids is now “on the go”.
Nickoel Uhlmer (2 years ago)
My 3 year old son is in need of this program – this or Military School – LOL! My 6yr old daughter would benefit too! Great Concept!