Beauty 365 … Stories of Love and Life for Everyday

Some bright minds in our family have devised a new punishment system, designed to curb undesirable behaviour. It is called ‘Pay up,Big Boi!’ We have a document on the fridge with our names and boxes for marks (see photo). We have agreed on a list of undesirable behaviours which includes swearing, speaking unkindly, not doing designated jobs, singing a particular song we all detest and ‘sucking people into your vortex’. I'll spare you more details.

We have a thumbs up or down system to get consensus if there is some lack of clarity about whether an offence has occurred and many a meal has been interrupted by conjecture.

Each mark against a name requires a payment of one dollar per transgression. I don't wish to make a point of this, but If you look at the photo carefully, there is a pretty clear leader in the tally! I'll say no more.

All in all it is not a bad system and has been a bit of fun, but there is an inherent flaw in its design. The kids have decided that at the end of the week we collect the money and buy Italian doughnuts!!!

Excuse me?! That means the worse our behaviour is, the more doughnuts we are rewarded with!

I reckon it should go towards our electricity bill, or school fees. Then people might really be on their best behaviour!

I successfully avoided a fine by staying out of the kitchen and was thoroughly spoiled by an incredible lunch with a lovely glass of wine. Despite all the shenanigans that go on in our place I wouldn't swap my kids for the world!