The Effects of the Behavior Management Point System

Reward systems improve children's behaviors by providing positive reinforcement for being good. Behavior management point systems provide children with clear expectations about how to earn privileges. Point systems can target a variety of behaviors, such as completing chores, doing homework, sharing or going to bed on time. Point systems not only increase positive behaviors but also reduce negative ones. Children who are working hard to earn points have less time to act out.

  1. Address Specific Behaviors

    • Point systems target a few behaviors at a time that need improvement and allow the child to focus on addressing specific behaviors. Choose two to three behaviors to address initially. List the desired behaviors and frame each behavior positively. For example, instead of "not getting dressed in the morning," choose "getting dressed before breakfast." When a child has mastered a skill, a new behavior can be added to the reward system.

    Children Earn Immediate Points

    • Children sometimes cannot wait until the end of the week or even a day for a reward. Point systems provide immediate gratification as they earn points throughout the day. Earning points helps children track their progress constantly. Keep a chart or other visual reminder of how many points have been earned to keep the child motivated. Offering tokens to a child can offer even more reinforcement as it provides them with tangible points that they can count.

    Children Exchange Points for Rewards

    • A reward menu includes items that the child can earn in exchange for the points. A reward menu needs to include a variety of rewards that motivate children. Allowing children to offer ideas about rewards they want to earn increases the likelihood they will be interested in the plan. Assign point values to each of the reward items. Create some rewards that can be earned daily, such as television or computer time, and include other rewards that can be earned weekly or monthly, such as going to the park or hosting a sleep-over.

    Children Learn Responsibility

    • Point systems teach children about their ability to manage their behaviors while increasing self-esteem. Children learn that privileges are earned based on their good behaviors. Point systems also teach children about saving and spending habits as they make choices about cashing in their points for rewards. Children learn problem-solving skills and learn to take responsibility for their actions.

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