Create A Safer Home, Make Money

Have you ever tripped over shoes, clothes, or anything on the floor that you did not know was there? If you are blind, then you have done this for sure. In the beginning of my marriage and mothering years, I decided I had to find a way to manage the problem in a way that was effective and even fun. I remembered my behavior modification classes I took in college and when applied correctly, it really works.

First, pick something that absolutely must be changed in order for you to be safe in your own home. For me, it was shoes randomly thrown anywhere in the house. I showed the offender the problem and gave them one warning like this. “If I find shoes anywhere in the house other than where we have both agreed that they may be, you will either pay me with money or by performing a service of my choosing.”

It was difficult to hold them to it but I was strong. It was truly remarkable how quickly shoes disappeared. As the years have past and I have lost more sight, the main issues have been kitchen cabinet doors and drawers being left open. I have sported several bruises to face and thighs and I finally got mad enough to impose a fine. My husband actually imposed a $20 fine upon himself when he witnessed a head banging episode with tears and bruises that followed. He paid me only once and that was enough to change the behavior.

The trick is to start small and increase your fee until you get the results you want. It will never be perfect but it really works to use behavior modification when changes must be made in order for peace to reign in your home.

I have not gotten rich this way and for which i am grateful. It has been and continues to be a very effective tool to make navigating my world a little easier. Try it and let me know what works for you.