How to Make a Reward System Work Better
Reward systems are a common method of behavior modification, but a reward system is only effective if it's applied consistently and offers incentives that actually make children want to behave. Creating a store of items that children can buy with the points they've earned is helpful because it allows them see a tangible benefit to their hard work.
Things You'll Need
- Dry-erase board
- Cardboard box
- Small toys
- Snacks
- Index cards
- Marker
- Masking tape
Instructions
Make a chart on a dry-erase board to place in a highly visible location of your home. Write the tasks you want your children to complete, such as cleaning their rooms or doing their homework, on the each row of the first column of the grid. Write each child's name at the top of the remaining columns. Decide how many points each task will be worth when it is done. Points can be determined based on the importance of the task or the amount of effort involved. For example, remembering to make his bed in the morning does not require a child to put forth the same amount of effort or skill that completing his homework does. Choose prizes that your children can earn with their points and place them in a cardboard box that will be your family "store." Prizes can be small toys like coloring books, sidewalk chalk, bubbles or toy cars. Special snacks that your children aren't normally allowed to eat are another good choice. Many parents have also had success with non-monetary incentives such as getting to stay up 30 minutes past bedtime or being allowed to watch an extra 30 minutes of TV. Write these rewards on index cards and put them in the store with the rest of the treats. Assign point values to each prize and label them with masking tape. Make the prizes you think your children will find the most desirable worth the highest amount of points, but remember to price some items low enough that your children can still earn a reward at least once per week even if they make a few mistakes along the way. Tally up the points your children have earned at the end of each day. Keep a running total of points at the top of the chart so each child knows how many points he has earned. Pick a day for children to buy prizes using the points they have earned. Many families let children purchase prizes on Friday to celebrate the upcoming weekend, but you can choose whatever system works best for you. Ask your children for suggestions on what types of items they'd like to be able to buy with their points whenever they purchase an item from your store. This helps make sure that the reward system provides a meaningful incentive for good behavior. Previous:How to Punish Your Child for Getting a Detention Next:What Can Parents Make Their Kids for Lunch That Is Healthy?
