Simple Inexpensive Rewards for Children
Encouraging Good Behaviour by Reinforcing Positive Actions
Developing new habits and learning important character traits can be difficult for children. Toilet/potty training, patience and self-control, and resisting the urge to fight with siblings are all behaviours that require some effort and dedication to develop or modify.
Young children particularly need small interim goals and frequent acknowledgement to help them stick with a long-term goal such as toilet training. Older children often need something to keep them focused and make the effort worthwhile.
Setting up a reward chart with regular rewards and treats can become expensive. It is also important for children to learn that every good act does not result in a monetary or excessive reward. It is possible to provide encouragement without breaking the bank.
General Suggestions for Budget Rewards
Buying a larger product, such as craft packs or a set of books, and dividing it up into smaller rewards can be a cost effective way to provide a series of encouragement awards. Felt board sets for a favourite character or game can be broken up into individual rewards so that one extra piece is added with each milestone.
Young children often consider unlikely items as a reward. A facecloth in a favourite colour or with a fun character on it or new bath toys such as a cheap set of measuring cups, spoons or jugs can be seen as a real treat.
Often time spent with Mum or Dad is the best reward. Playing games, baking a cake, playing at the park or kicking a soccer ball around are better than any gift.
Rewards for Preschoolers
- Sheets of stickers
- Small books such as the My Thomas Story Library books or other character books
- Colouring-in books or activity books
- Crayons or pencils
- Character socks or underpants
- Matchbox or Hotwheels cars
Rewards for Primary/Grade School Children
- Small, easy novel style books such as Felicity Wishes, Angelina Ballerina, Zac Power, Ricky Ricotta, Jack Russell – Dog Detective and others.
- Novelty erasers, pencils and small notebooks
- Sets of coloured or scented pens. These can be divided up and chosen individually
- Small Lego kits
- Glitter glue pens or other novelty craft papers or supplies
- Plasticine or modelling clay (inexpensive packs are generally available at supermarkets and discount stores)
Rewarding Older Children
Some older children will have a particular interest or hobby, such as a collection or craft project, which will provide a variety of small reward options. Others will no longer be impressed with token gifts and rewards. For these children, it is better to move on to an activity style reward system where the child is able to choose from a range of activities to acknowledge and encourage good behaviour.
The purpose of establishing a reward and incentive system is to encourage children and provide them with attainable short-term goals. It is not about offering a constant stream of expensive presents. It is possible to reward children within a budget and achieve positive behaviour results.
