Are you tired of nagging, yelling, and being frustrated by some behavior that your child has made into a habit? Here is a technique you might try that keeps the angry monster away. For example, let’s say you have a child who is in the habit of yelling at siblings, and another child who won’t do what he/she is told the first time you ask. Each child gets a jar with marbles or rocks. (Letting the kids pick them out gives them ownership.) Before presenting this to the kids, talk it over with your spouse to make sure you are in agreement. This is most effective if you are working on one or two behaviors at a time. It is not to be used for other discipline issues. Put ten marbles in the jar. Explain to the children that each time they display the behavior, they will lose a marble. At the end of the week, if there are any marbles left, they get to choose a family activity. Brainstorm a list of activities that are free or very little cost (a picnic, a family walk, going to the library). Children feel more secure, and negative behaviors tend to happen less frequently if they get plenty of family time. If they run out of marbles, just say, “I am so sorry you don’t get to pick an activity for us. I really look forward to our time together.” Also keep in mind that this is family time, which means they still get to do the activity the other children pick. Once the behavior has stopped, have a family meeting to address a different behavior that has surfaced for the new week, and to think of activities for the following weekend.