Video games and TV have taken over for a while this summer. It leads to crankiness, irritable and general overall nastiness. Beth had this incredible idea, incredible in its simplicity as well. The kids have to earn video game and TV time by, get this, READING!!! Day 1 has been all but flawless. In addition, this keeps Mrs. Burgamy from getting onto us about them keeping up with their summer book lists. Rules: 1 minute of reading = 2 minutes of video game or TV time Mom & Dad may give bonus time as a reward. If you ask Mom & Dad to give you bonus time, you lose 5 minutes. If you argue with anyone in the house, you lose 2 minutes (Michael liked 2 minutes since it was the same as a hockey penalty.). If you hit anyone in the house, you lose 5 minutes. If you make mean faces or use mean words, you lose 2 minutes. Give it a shot. Heck, Michael even let me cut his hair tonight with minimal fuss.