Melbourne is an enigmatic cosmopolitan city with an infectious energy. And for children it is a wonderland! There is so much to delight the young in this southern metropolis from interactive museums and galleries, fabulous beaches, bustling markets, an abundance of leafy parks, sporting and cultural events and child-friendly cafes and restaurants. Rather than reward my two children with toys or sweets for good behaviour, in our household we have devised a point-based system where we reward our children with ‘special outings’ in and around Melbourne. This works like a charm! They need to earn a certain number of combined points in order to earn a ‘special outing’ of their choice (within a defined list, of course, which we update regularly!). Some outings (the more expensive ones) are worth more points. But not all outing rewards cost us a thing! The points are pinned onto a homemade chart in our under-the-stairs cupboard. The one with most points at the end of the week gets to choose the outing. However, if less than 20 combined points are earned, there is no ‘special’ outing and points are carried over to the following week.

It is a win-win arrangement for all! Not only does it teach the children to co-operate and encourage one another, we have well behaved children (well, most of the time) and our family gets to enjoy activities that delight, excite and educate us all. This week we are off to the Aquarium to see the magnificent new penguin exhibit….I think I am more excited than the kids!

-Sara