REWARD CHART FOR CHILDREN
As parents we have all experienced certain phases in our children’s lives where they develop an assertive streak and no amount of cajoling or threatening can get them to do what we want them to do. Hopefully this phase will not last long, though my mother says it tends to pan a lifetime with respect to myself, but leaving frivolity aside my main concerns are how to get my kids to do some basic chores that I would want them to do. The answer is set up a Reward Chart, I did this with my seven year and it worked fantastically since she thoroughly enjoyed getting rewarded for the tasks she had to do. This positive parenting technique also helps to boost the child’s confidence for when they have completed the tasks allotted and have been duly rewarded, it is beneficial to emphasize the fact that they are a success. When using a reward chart, start from an age that the child is able to understand the exercise at hand, usually from age three is a good time to start. Reward charts are used as a way to change a child’s behaviour so do not attempt to address many behavioural issues at one time, this will overwhelm them and the exercise will be futile. Remember to give the star to the child immediately once the task has been completed, for example if one of the tasks required to do is make your bed in the morn- ing then as soon as the child does it reward them accordingly, young minds need instant gratification to drive the message home. Also make sure the tasks appointed are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely, you can’t expect maybe a three year old to make their own beds, but you can expect them to clear up their toys. By knowing your own child you will be the best judge to decide the tasks to allot. Also review your reward/star chart every week and keep the child involved for this will facilitate
its success.
There are many Reward/star charts on the internet but it will definitely be more fun setting one up with your child’s help. All you need is a bristle board paper and pen and crayons to decorate. Make a grid with dates of the week along one side and a list of tasks that you would like your child to do. Then you can decorate to whatever theme your child would like. Good Luck!