Fun Reward System To Use With Behavior Chart
Create A Rewards Jar With Kids To Reinforce Positive Behavior
Nov 13, 2009
Charts Plus Rewards Can Be A Winning Behavior Modification Combination For Children
Morning Picture Routine Chart For Kids and Behavior and Chore Charts Craft Project both describe wonderful behavior assistance charts to help kids keep on track with a routine or desired behaviors. Both provide visual ways to cue children and may be used to track rewards (stickers). Combining similar charts with a consistent reward system that focuses on earning 'points' towards a reward through good behavior can help to cement the lesson that positive outcomes result from doing things correctly when asked.
Focus On Correct Behavior and Tasks Completed In Timely Manner On Request
One key thing to remember is that any chart or rewards system should focus on rewarding the desired behavior or tasks when the parent makes the request. Earning the reward is contingent upon this facet as much as simply completing blanks on a chart. Timeliness is important as well and paying attention to this differentiator can help to avoid issues with focusing too much on reward over the desired behavior.
Develop Rewards As Privileges Rather vs. Things
Another tactic for avoiding the connection between reward for reward's sake instead of behavior-and-reward is to use rewards that are privileges instead of a desired object such as a snack item, toy, etc. Consider setting levels of privilege so that children are only able to do certain desired activities if the number of points on a routine chart add up to the right level, for instance. Has TV for the week been earned? How about computer time? Consider building in special treats such as a trip to the movies as a reward for reaching the highest level and/or maintaining it. This way it's consistent good behavior that is being rewarded and there's a direct relationship between staying on target with positive behaviors and privileges as well as loss of privilege if negative behaviors crop up. This mirrors the real-world system of merit-based increases in the workplace, for instance.
Make A Rewards Jar or Jars With Your Child
Sit down with your child and make a list together of things that your child likes to do. Then prioritize the list in terms of relative worth, for example, 15 minutes of computer game time, 30 minutes of game time, 1 hour of game time, etc. some 'object' based rewards are okay, but try to focus on activities over 'things' that can be earned through consistent positive behavior. Save some large jars - bulk-sized jars of peanut butter work very well for instance and then decorate two or three of these with your child. Write down the different privileges and rewards on 'tickets' and put these into the different jars according to the different levels of achievement that you've worked out. For example, if your child does most, but not all, of the desired items on a routine chart consistently all week, then draw from the middle level jar. If your child does all items on the chart consistently all week, then draw from the top level jar. Whatever ticket your child draws, is the reward for that week's good behavior. Change up the tickets in the jars from time to time as well as updating your routine and chore charts to help your child progress from one level of behavior to the next while keeping him or her involved in the effort.
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