Our kids are angels! But to be honest, dealing with them can be so challenging sometimes. If you have already tried everything so far and didn’t get the expected results, perhaps it’s time to try something new. Developing a practical reward systems
for kids can do a lot of good! Based on parents’ previous experiences, this method is likely to be effective and can perfectly guide children on the accurate behaviour path.
Positive reinforcement can help kids make better choices and change their attitudes. When we encourage a child in their correct behaviour, we are gradually planting the seeds of making better decisions and being better people in them. Even many psychiatrists believe rewarding will effectively increase a child’s self-esteem. It will also help them determine their parents’ expectations.
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How Does Reward Systems Work?
When your children behave the way you expect them to or do the certain tasks you ask, it’s vital to make them feel good about it. That’s what the “positive reinforcement” will exactly do. However, sometimes it’s not enough, and that’s where rewards shine!
For this system to work, it has to be created based on the child’s way of thinking and age!
Developing a proper systems can help kids feel excited about what they are doing. You can phase this system out once you see the result of the seeds you planted.
How Can a Reward System Help?
As previously mentioned, rewarding can be a significant way to encourage good habits in children or ask them to do chores. Besides, it’s proved to be successful in casting out unpleasant behaviours or habits. Rewarding s can also teach children teamwork, commitment, responsibility, and self-control.
Some Tips for a Practical Reward System
The key to success here is to set realistic goals and expectations. However, there are some other factors you should take into account:
- Amongst all the regular tasks you give your children, consider adding one or two just to help them learn something new.
- Try to be more patient as this process could take time. At first, your children may find it hard to do whatever you say according to the chart, and even if they do, it probably will take time for them o do it the way you want.
- Be sure to provide them with enough guidance and direction about each task you give them.
- Do as you promised: If you’ve told your kids you would reward them, it’s only logical to stay on your words. Children are more sensitive than adults, besides, your behaviour directly shapes theirs.
Reward Systems for Different Age Ranges
Obviously, you can’t praise a teenager and a pre-schooler the same way.
That’s why it’s vital for parents should be aware of different system structures based on their kid’s age.
6 to 9-year-old Kids
There are not so many chores and tasks you can give your kids at this age range. However, simple chores like setting the dinner table, making their beds, or putting away their toys can be great starters. You can easily monitor their progress using chore apps. YounGo Money can also be the perfect choice for parents to set chores, track their progress and reward them! What else can help you develop a great chart?
- Routine Charts: Based on your children’s personality, you might want to consider using routine charts. As the name suggests, a weekly schedule can demonstrate what your kids should do and when.
Tip: Try to make the chart more appealing using pictures and drawings.
- Sticker Charts: I’m sure you’ve heard of these charts before. You need to put them in a place where it’s easily seen ( Bedroom wall, refrigerator, for instance.) Take your child to the store and let them pick their favourite sticker pack. Add a sticker to the chart whenever they complete a task.
9 to 12-year-old Kids Reward System
As your kids get older, they’ll learn to be more responsible, and that’s why you can consider assigning them to more complicated tasks and chores like washing their own clothes or dusting the house. Kids in this age range mostly need instruction for their behaviours or studies. They may misbehave or don’t be responsible for their school work, and because of that, you should take the system of rewarding more seriously and stop these kinds of attitudes before they get worse.
Some appealing rewards for pre-teens can be pocket money, going to bed later than usual, or hanging out with friends.
- Weekly Chart of Behaviour: In this system, parents write down some behaviours or tasks, and if the children could act as their parents expected, they’ll be rewarded at the end of the week.
- Routine Chart: This chart is more detailed for pre-teens than younger children, and parents can even add their expected timing.
Teenagers
Rewarding systems and chores for teenagers can be more complicated than the last two categories.
- Tokens: Teenagers can receive tokens for accomplishing a task. Based on the difficulty range of each chore, the token amount may change.
- Manner Contract: As the name suggests, it’s a written contract in which you can clearly demonstrate which behaviour will get a reward. Be sure to write it together and ask for their opinion too.
What is the Perfect Reward?
The simplest answer we could give you is to ask your children! Pocket money may be the first thing that comes to mind, it’s a good choice, but it’s not the ultimate answer. Sometimes getting kids what they really desire can motivate them more than anything else.
To Wrap Up
According to studies and modern parenting, reward systems are a practical method to encourage good habits in kids and discourage unwanted ones. Be sure to create a system based on your kid’s age and mindset to get better results.
If you have any experience with the reward system and topics related to it, leave us a comment to help us improve our article.
