I’ve always recommended reward charts as a positive way to enforce the rules and help kids learn through earning. They teach kids about work and rewards, and how to be accountable for their choices. I’ve used them several times, for a variety of situations with great success. In my latest book Entitle Me Not, I talk in depth about the benefits of charts in preventing entitlement and cover more tips and tricks. Here are a few tips when using charts.
- Be consistent. Reward charts will only work if you work it consistently with your child.
- Have fun and decorate your charts with stickers and colors.
- Hang your chart on the wall so it is easily seen and accessible.
- Don’t be afraid for your child to fail. If they don’t complete the task, they don’t earn a sticker.
A new thing I’ve been doing with my son since he’s entered the destroy-all villain stage is making charts with faces or people on them. I tell my son that all these frowny faces on the chart tell me that he can’t complete the task and earn a sticker. So he needs to prove them wrong by getting a sticker and covering them up. I even make up little voices for the frowny faces and they scream in horror as he covers them with a sticker. He absolutely loves it! Cater your charts to your kids and play to their competitive or destructive side. Below are a few great examples. Thanks for reading and make sure to follow my Facebook page!
Examples of Reward Charts
Ollie’s Bathroom Routine Chart to Keep Him Consistent
