Discussions about child behavior, while valuable, can become generalizations about behavior change, rather than discussing the specifics about individualized tools to change behavior. It begs the question “what behavior change tools are out there?”
Token Economy System For Kids
Fundamentally a Token Economy is a form of behavior modification whereby tokens are rewarded for appropriate behavior and the tokens may be cashed in for valued rewards. It can be a great way to improve behavior… positively!
Reward Charts for Children
Fundamentally reward charts for children are a tool for behavior management or behavior modification whereby a child is awarded stickers or other rewards for behaving well. Why are our reward charts unique and so powerfully effective?
The Effectiveness of a Behavior Contract
A behavior contract can play a very effective role in any reward plan (along with reward charts and a token economy). They can be be a useful behavior modification tool when other methods aren’t working so well, and can give your child a sense of being involved in a serious, grown-up process.
Chore Charts For Kids
Using chore charts not only allows for our kids to learn the responsibilities involved in running a household, it allows them to contribute to their fair share of the household chores and teaches them the importance of managing their own responsibilities
An Alternative Approach to Using A Kids Reward Chart
This alternative approach to using a kids reward chart relies not on the principle of earning stickers to achieve a desired reward, but rather on having the end reward in their grasp, and retaining or losing the reward based on how they choose to behave.
Having The Right Mindset When Implementing Reward Charts
However, give it the best shot to make your reward chart work…be positive, committed, and let your kids see this. If you can change YOUR mindset (sometimes only slightly) then you might find that reward charts will give you the fantastic result you were wishing for.
Kids Rewards: Disguised Materialism?
Many argue that handing out kids rewards for either performing tasks that should otherwise be expected, or to get your kids to do something, is tantamount to bribery or even encourages materialism. Others strongly argue that offering rewards for kids to perform certain chores, to stop certain behaviors, or to encourage new and better behaviors, is an effective parenting tool.
Reward Charts are not a “Cure All”!
Are reward charts fantastic?…Yes! Are they a cure all for all problem behaviors?…No!
What Behavior Change can be Targeted with Reward Charts
An important element of successfully using reward charts for children is to have behavior change goals set in place BEFORE the reward chart has started. Find some useful example here.
Why Aren’t My Reward Charts Working?
Using reward charts to encourage behavior change in our children can be highly effective, but what if they stop working? Find out some reasons why and what you can do to get them back on track.
Using a Behavior Contract to Reduce Arguments
Used correctly a behavior contract acts as a “record” of what both parent and child have agreed to. If your child says “but you said…” pulling out the contract and referring to what actually WAS said can put an end to many arguments.
