Rewarding your child will help them feel like a star. That feeling will set them on a course towards independence with daily routines.
In this post I share the reward system we use for Kaeden and Kenzie that we learned from The Strongest Families Institute through the Parents Empowering Kids Program.
Challenging Daily Routines
Daily routines are easy for adults but can be quite challenging for kids.
It can be quite taxing to have children complete daily tasks such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, and cleaning up toys.
Prior to the Parents Empowering Kids Program, we have had quite a difficult time getting Kaeden to complete daily routines consistently without complaints or arguments.
What can be done?
A Reward System is a great way to motivate kids into doing daily tasks, following routines, and exhibiting good behavior.
How does the reward system work?
Your child will earn points and then are able to trade the points for rewards or privileges. A reward system is designed to increase good behavior and motivate your kids to complete tasks.
Why Does A Reward System Work?
When kids are rewarded, they are encouraged to complete their tasks and show good behavior.
A Rewards System helps kids become better at tasks without needing to repeat reminders over and over.
Kids learn what they are expected to do with a Reward System in place. Consistently using the Reward System daily helps build routines.
Over time the Reward System will help your kids become independent with daily routines and avoid arguments.
How To Set Up A Reward System
To start, pick only a handful of tasks to include in the Reward System. Chose simple tasks that are easy and that your child already does somewhat well with to have initial success.
We began implementing the Reward System with Kaeden & Kenzie by having only the bedtime routine tasks – pick up toys, brush teeth, change into pajamas.
Pick how much points your child will earn per task once completed. In the beginning keep the value simple, use 1-2 points per task. Try to keep the point value commensurate to the task completed: easy task = 1 – 2 points.
When we started Kaeden and Kenzie each got a star (point) after each task of the bedtime routine is completed. If done properly on their own and without complaints or arguments, they can earn 1 bonus star.
List the rewards your kids can trade their points for. Rewards does not have to be material things, it can be activities that they enjoy doing.
Remember to ask for your child’s input on the rewards. Letting them have a say on the rewards list gives them more motivation to complete their tasks and earn points.
Kaeden asked us to add 15 minutes of Youtube videos to the rewards list after we’ve had the Reward System for about 2 weeks.
Start with small rewards worth only 1 to 2 points each. This way, it is easy for your child to earn a reward. Easily earning a reward in the beginning motivates the kids to follow through.
Eventually you can add bigger value rewards that are worth more. Large value rewards will teach your kids to follow through and save up their points.
After a while of consistently using the reward system, make sure that there is a good mix of small value and big value rewards to continue to motivate your kids.
When-Then statements motivate kids to do the task to earn points. For example: When you finish picking up the toys, then you will earn 2 points!
Decide as a family how your kids can trade in points for earned rewards. Having a specific time of day to trade in points for rewards works best. Consistently using the reward system means that it is part of your kid’s daily routine.
Points to reward trade happens after dinner at our home – once the kids finish their dinner. No dinner, no trade. When they finish their dinner, then they can trade their points for rewards.
Evaluate your reward system to make sure it’s working. The reward system is not set in stone, it should be adapted to your families current situation. So make sure to adjust and adapt it accordingly.
To ensure that the reward system is a positive experience in the beginning, do not take away points for bad behavior. Taking away points for bad behavior can be added after your kids are consistently using the rewards system as part of their daily routine.
With Kaeden and Kenzie, we included rules for taking away points after we have been consistently using the reward system for 6 weeks.
Our Pandemic-Developed Reward System
When the pandemic hit, we had to re-evaluate our Reward System to accommodate tasks needed for Kaeden’s homeschooling. We have used our current points system since April and have had good success.
This coming weekend, we are going to re-evaluate our rewards system tasks again to adjust for summer.
Free Rewards System Printable
If you want a copy of the rewards system we currently use sent directly to your e-mail, sign up below. We’d be happy to share it with you!
I hope you implement a reward system to empower your kids towards independence. With consistent use, we have success with our rewards system. We hope you have success too!
