Have you ever used a reward chart with your child? They are a brilliant tool that can motivate your kids to do school work, chores as well as encouraging all-round positive behaviour.
Managing behaviour can be a bit of a trial and error process. As we know, each child is incredibly different so why should we expect the way we manage them to be the same?
One thing that is usually one a universal tool in the managing of behaviours and expectations is a reward chart. Reward charts work fantastically for children aged 3-8 years old (but, they can even work with some partners too!).
A reward chat is a tool that is used to encourage a positive change in behaviour. It is a great tool as it is clear for the child. The expectation is clear and obvious to your little one and once explained, it is easy for them to see and understand it.
It can really be adapted for anything, big or small challenges. It could be as simple as “saying please and thank you” or “sleeping in my own bed” or as big as “Not hitting or biting”.
Place it in an area that your child can easily see and be reminded of. Bright colours and their favourite stickers can be encouraging for them too. Have space for their sticker for each day or you can even use happy faces, whatever works for you.
Explain to your little one how it will work and how a certain number of stickers or happy faces will mean a certain reward. Show them the finish line and you could even draw on their chart what that reward might be.
How to make your own reward chart:
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Setting it up.
Get them involved in as much of the preparation as possible. The more they know about it, the more excitement there will be to complete it.
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Use lots of colour.
Colours will get them excited. As well as that, different colours will help them to differentiate the different parts of the chart too and make it easy for them to understand.
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Stickers.
If they have a favourite show or character, let them use that as another small incentive. Let them choose the sticker put it on their chart themselves.
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Show enthusiasm.
Be so over enthusiastic about the reward chart that you deserve an Oscar for your performance! One thing sure to get them excited about this piece of paper on the fridge is if you are excited for it too - remember they are watching and learning from you 24/7.
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Stick to it.
Children feel safest in routine and with boundaries. If your little one hasn’t earned their sticker for a certain day, then don’t give in. It will in time teach them that working hard pays off.
