| Anyone who has ever taken care of a child | | | | You also want to send the message that they |
| knows that you can get kids to do virtually | | | | can have anything they want as long as they |
| anything if there is a reward involved, but | | | | work for it. No matter what the reward is, it |
| it is crucial to good parenting to make sure | | | | will seem much more fulfilling if they know |
| that the reward is appropriate. | | | | they have earned it. |
| | | | |
| While junk food and money can occasionally | | | | It is unreasonable to offer rewards out of |
| act as rewards in certain situations, | | | | your price range or their maturity level, but |
| positive feedback is often a more | | | | you don't have to say "no" all the time. |
| appropriate-and certainly less | | | | Instead of denying requests, allow them with |
| expensive-reward. Something as simple as a | | | | a condition. If a child wants dessert, let |
| high five or positive encouragement when a | | | | them have it as long as they have eaten their |
| child does something right can be all the | | | | vegetables. If there is a toy a child has |
| reward they need. | | | | been asking for, get them to put their toys |
| | | | away everyday for a month before buying it |
| Offering children rewards can be a great way | | | | for them. Because of the initial reward, |
| to help them reach their goals. Create a | | | | eventually these tasks will turn into habits. |
| system to motivate your child in an area | | | | |
| where they normally fall short. If they have | | | | Age-appropriate rewarding can apply to older |
| trouble getting their homework done, for | | | | children as well. As a child grows, their |
| example, offer a special reward for doing all | | | | "toys" get more and more expensive and |
| of their homework for two straight weeks | | | | sometimes dangerous. It seems like the |
| without missing an assignment. If they have a | | | | immediate response to the question "Can I get |
| messy room, challenge them to keep it clean | | | | an ATV?" posed by a 14-year-old would be |
| everyday in order to get a little extra | | | | "no." |
| spending money for the weekend. | | | | |
| | | | However, there are ways to say "no" without |
| Try rewarding positive actions with positive | | | | actually saying it. In the case of the ATV, |
| activities. Reward good grades or behavior | | | | you can compromise by suggesting that your |
| with a trip to the library or park. Not only | | | | child could get the ATV when he earns enough |
| will this show your children that they have | | | | money to buy it. This eliminates the chance |
| done something worth rewarding, but it will | | | | that he will have it before he is legally |
| also introduce them to other positive | | | | able to drive it because it will take so long |
| influences-like exercise or reading in this | | | | to raise the money. If the child has to earn |
| example-without them even realizing it. | | | | the money himself, it is more likely that he |
| | | | will reconsider buying the ATV because he |
| The best reward you can give your children is | | | | knows how much he worked to raise the money. |
| spending time with them. It is important to | | | | Children appreciate rewards more if they |
| make time for your children, even in a busy | | | | really earn them. |
| schedule. If you have no free time to spare, | | | | |
| still include them in your daily life by | | | | Though rewards shouldn't be used so often |
| asking them to help you with something you | | | | that a child comes to expect one every time |
| have to do like cooking dinner, and make it | | | | they do something they think is |
| fun by letting them pick their favorite meal | | | | acknowledgeable, they are a great way to |
| or dessert. These rewards benefit both parent | | | | develop healthy habits for the future, like |
| and child. | | | | follow-through, goal-setting and hard work. |
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