Wednesday I work from home, usually catching up on paperwork, writing, cooking, those kinds of things. Today I had tons of paperwork to do, but never got to it. Maybe it's the ongoing cold and snow that fed my procrastination, but whatever it was one of the only things I did do today,  besides roasting a chicken, was to refill some bird feeders, and hang new feeders in a hedge—oh yes, I did run out and buy a box of Shredded Wheat—you'll see why in a minute. I went to the store because I remembered something I used to do with my daughters when they were growing up and thought it would be a nice positive reward project that readers might like to use to motivate kids to do homework, study, etc.  Or perhaps make it a fun family project that has nothing to do with school work, just special time with mom and dad—that helps anxious kids too.

Our family called this project, "Making Gifts for the Birds".

You will need: a box of Shredded Wheat, the large ones; birdseed, cracked corn, etc.; creamy peanut butter; thin string/cord, ribbon (we also used that thin curing ribbon used on presents), raffia, etc.

1. Put seed in a bowl
2. Coat each piece of Shredded Wheat with peanut butter
3. Roll in seed
4. Tie each Shredded Wheat with cord as you would a present (on all four sides), leaving enough ribbon to tie on trees, fence, etc.
5. Hang the Shredded Wheat making sure your child can see the birds and squirrels eating the "gift" your child has left for them.
6. These mini-bird feeders can go fast  (squirrels love them too), so hang other feeders around to keep birds coming back.

Readers who are using positive motivation techniques, I would love to hear from you about the rewards you use and how they work within your family.

All my best,
Diane