[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hile rewarding your child may be the last thing on your mind when you’re dealing with misbehavior, reward systems can be one of the best ways to change a child’s behavior. And the best news is, reward systems usually work fast. And the best time to start is as soon as possible, for example when parents push a child’s double stroller front and back, the child calms down and enjoys the ride.
Reward systems also work for children of all ages. So whether your preschooler has gotten into the habit of hitting, or your teenager keeps forgetting to do his chores, a simple reward system can help him become more responsible for his behavior.
Reward Systems for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Toddlers and preschoolers benefit from simple sticker charts. Allow your child to decorate a piece of paper and use that as your chart. If he takes part in coloring it or designing it, he’ll be more invested in earning stickers.
You can also increase his motivation by choosing stickers he’ll love. You might even let him choose the stickers himself. Just make sure you don’t hand over any stickers until he earns them.
Keep the sticker chart is prominently displayed. Preschoolers are often very proud of their accomplishments and want to ensure everyone is aware they have earned stickers. Use praise to motivate him to keep earning stickers.
Choose one behavior to work on at a time and establish a simple goal to start. Behaviors that can work well with a sticker chart include things such as using the toilet and staying in his own bed at night.
Provide a sticker immediately after you see the desired behavior to provide positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Here are some examples:
- A 7-year-old earn stickers for making her bed. Once she earns three stickers she can go to the playground.
- A 9-year-old earns stickers for getting her homework done before dinner. Then, stickers can be exchanged for TV time.
Just make sure your child earns rewards on a regular basis. Some school-age children still need daily rewards, while others can wait several days to get an incentive.
Explain the reward system to your child. Make sure she knows it’s a positive strategy, rather than a punishment.
Try saying something like, “When you earn three stickers, we will go to the park to play. This is how you earn stickers…” Allow your child an opportunity to ask questions and become involved in suggesting rewards she wants to earn.
Reward Systems for Tweens
Tweens can benefit from more complicated systems with bigger rewards. But remember, rewards don’t have to cost money. Screen time or a later bedtime on the weekends can be big motivators.
Tweens may feel too old for “stickers” so you can use a system where they earn check marks or tokens. A token economy system allows them to earn tokens throughout the day that can be exchanged for reward items. For example, two tokens may be equivalent to thirty minutes of television.
Choose up to three behaviors to address at a time. Pick at least one behavior that your child already does fairly well. This can help your child feel successful, which is key to keeping a tween motivated.
Reward Systems for Teenagers
Teenagers will outgrow formal reward charts and systems. However, this doesn’t mean you have to get rid of reward systems altogether. Create a behavior management contract to link privileges to specific behavior.
For example, link your teen’s ability to go to the movies with his friends to getting his homework done on time all week. Or, only allow your teen to borrow the car when he gets his chores done on all time all week.
Electronics are also another privilege that works well for many teens. Consider giving cellphone privileges each day only after their homework and chores are completed. Just make sure that you establish clear rules ahead of time so your child understands what you expect each day.
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