Reward Charts
Reward charts are basically tool that’s can be used to encourage your children to perform a certain desirable behaviour. Each time they do so they get to mark it off on the chart and after a set number of times, the child will receive a reward. Parents have been using these charts for many years – because they work.
The idea behind using a reward chart is to modify the behaviour of your child. After they have been completing a certain task for period of time, it will become a habit and something they just do without thinking (or complaining) about. Of course, all children are different and some will be quicker in forming new habits than others.
You can use your reward chart for good behaviors as well as household chores. Examples of rewarded behaviour could include sharing, listening, good manners and sleeping in their own bed. Examples of tasks that you could include on your reward chart are brushing their teeth, going to the potty or picking up their toys.
Once you have decided what behaviors or tasks will be on your chart you then need to decide upon a suitable reward. Discussing this with your children beforehand can be helpful in discovering what motivates them best and this will make it easier for all involved later on. Some ideas could include a new book or toy, seeing a movie with mum and dad, a special dinner or a family outing to the beach or zoo. Remember that whatever you use as a reward to motivate your child, you will need to keep your end of the bargain and make sure they receive it.
Reward charts not only encourage good behaviour in your child but they also help to develop confidence and a sense of achievement. These attributes will benefit your child enormously as they grow and mature and are well worth taking the time to develop.