![]() Be an ExampleĬhildren watch and learn a lot more than they listen and learn. Smaller children will need rewards more often, but as they grow you can expect more from them. Creating specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely (S.M.A.R.T.) goals can help keep your child interested. Start more simple and challenge them as they grow and learn. Choose goals/chores that are age appropriate. Have reasonable expectationsįor a rewards chart to work, the child must see some success. If you use stickers, let them put their own stickers on the chart. ![]() Talk together to choose a reward the whole family will enjoy together. But, if the ideas come from them they will be much more motivated. Involve the kids in choosing their goals and rewards. ![]() If the chart is for one specific goal (potty training for example) keep the chart where it is convenient (the bathroom in this example). ![]() Choose a specific time of day to go through the chart together. Kids get excited about rewards charts, but they will lose interest and motivation if parents are not consistent. A common age range for rewards charts are ages 3-12. If they don't understand, they will not be motivated.Īs children get older they may no longer need a special rewards chart, but checklists and calendars may still come in handy. Whatever you decide, the child should be able to understand what the rewards and expectations are. There are different opinions as to what ages should use rewards charts and what the rewards/activities should be. They will no longer believe or trust you and will not be motivated to do the rewards chart. If we promise our child something because we know it will motivate them, but can't follow through because of time or money restrictions it will defeat the purpose. Have treats or toys ahead of time so that they can be immediate. Some examples of rewards stars might include a treat (debatable), an inexpensive toy, a trip to the park, extra TV time, an extra book at bedtime, a family outing like going out to eat or to a movie, a new book, etc. Avoid using a reward system that could lead to poor health, spoiling, unreasonable expectations, or a sense of entitlement. Pricey toys or trips or other excessive rewards will likely end up being counterproductive and teach the wrong principles. The act of adding a star to the chart and receiving praise after completing a goal may be reward enough. Kids (and even adults) have the ability to get excited about small and simple things. The ultimate goal is to have the child feel the intrinsic motivation that comes with accomplishing work and achieving goals. Simple rewards keep things in perspective. If you don't want to focus on rewards but still want to stay organized, check out our new chore schedule and chore chart templates. As they get older you can add more goals or chores to their chart. Don't work on more than a few things with young children. If you have a chart with too many goals, they can lose focus. Keeping the charts simple can help the child focus. This is a great chance to help kids' esteem and be uplifting. Parents and children are happier when the parents aren't in a constant state of nagging and disciplining. Print out one of our reward charts to make life a little easier for everyone at home.One of the main reasons to have a rewards chart is to focus on positive rather than negative behavior. When you follow through on your promises, good or bad, your child learns to trust and respect you. Often it’s not helpful to focus on their performance, their talent or their ability. When setting the targets for the reward charts, particularly for older children, it’s important to consider that the behaviour you are rewarding is your child’s interest, their participation and the effort they put in.If the chart seems to stop working, re-think the targets that have been set.Allow your kids to experience the fun in using reward charts. Make earning a sticker easy in the first instance.It also gets you into the habit of recognising when your child behaves well. Watching for how often your child is well behaved can encourage you too.This will work better when younger children are involved. Drawing the attention of family and friends to the chart, can also be a good way to reward children, and acknowledge their improved behaviour.You don’t need to wait for the perfect behaviour to happen to praise your children.As parents, there’s nothing better than a peaceful house where kids regularly modify their behaviour to improve family relationships and learn vital social skills along the way.Ī reward chart is NOT a magic bullet solution to bad behaviour and may not work with some kids but reward charts work well for children over the age of around two and can be a useful tool for positive parenting.Ĭatching your child’s “good behaviour” is the power of the reward chart and giving her a sticker, recognition or praise while filling out the reward chart is the real reward for her and you.
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