Rewards & Incentives

Using rewards and incentives at home can be a great way to encourage positive behaviors and support your child’s development. Simple incentives, such as praise, extra playtime, or a sticker chart, can motivate children to complete tasks, develop good habits, and build responsibility. When used effectively, rewards help reinforce effort and perseverance, teaching kids that hard work and positive actions lead to positive outcomes. It’s important to balance rewards with intrinsic motivation by encouraging children to take pride in their accomplishments rather than relying solely on external incentives. By recognizing and celebrating their progress, you boost their confidence and help them develop a growth mindset, which will benefit them academically and personally.

Praise and Encouragement

Verbal praise is one of the simplest yet most effective rewards. Celebrate your child’s efforts by saying things like, "I’m so proud of how hard you worked on your homework!" or "Great job cleaning up your toys without being asked!"
Be specific in your praise so your child knows exactly what behavior to continue.

Sticker or Star Charts

Create a chart where your child earns a sticker or star for completing tasks like reading, finishing homework, or helping with chores.
Once they reach a set goal (e.g., five stickers), they can earn a small reward, such as choosing a family movie or an extra bedtime story.

Special Privileges

Offer fun privileges as incentives, such as extra screen time, staying up 15 minutes later on the weekend, or choosing what is for dinner.
Tie these privileges to specific behaviours, like completing schoolwork on time or practicing kindness towards others.

Tangible Rewards (Small Prizes)

Keep a small "treasure box" with inexpensive prizes like stickers, crayons, or little toys.
Let your child pick a prize when they meet a goal, such as finishing a book or following bedtime routines for a full week.

Quality Time as a Reward

Offer one-on-one time doing an activity you child loves, like baking together, going for a bike ride, or playing their favourite game.
Let them 'earn' this time by completing tasks or demonstrating good behaviour, reinforcing that effort leads to positive experiences.

Earn Points

Create a points systems where your child earns points for good behaviour, responsibility, or helping around the house.
Let them redeem points for bigger rewards, such as a trip to the park, a new book, or a family outing.

Setting Goals

Help children set achievable goals, such as completing homework before playtime or reading a book each night, and celebrating their progress.
Goal setting is important for kids because it helps them develop motivation, responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment as the work toward and achieve their objectives.

Encouraging Independence

Give children age-appropriate responsibilities and decision-making opportunities to build confidence and problem-solving skills.
Encouraging independence is important for kids because it helps them build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of responsibility, preparing them to make decisions and handle challenges on their own.