Behavior & Discipline

Do reward charts actually work or do they backfire later?

Unraveling the Mystery of Reward Charts: A Compassionate Guide for Parents

Parenting is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and constant learning. One such challenge that parents often encounter is motivating their children to develop positive habits. In response to this challenge, many turn to reward charts as a tool to inspire desired behavior in their children. But do reward charts work? Or could they potentially backfire? Let’s explore.

Understanding Reward Charts and Their Purpose

A reward chart, also known as a behavior chart or token system, is a visual tool used by parents and educators to encourage and reinforce positive behavior in children. It works on the principle of acknowledging and rewarding desired behavior with tokens (stickers, points), which can later be exchanged for rewards.

The importance of reward charts lies not only in promoting good habits but also in teaching kids valuable life skills such as responsibility, goal-setting, patience, and decision-making.

Navigating the Path: Effective Use of Reward Charts

Selecting Suitable Behaviors

Start by identifying 1-3 behaviors that you would like your child to improve upon or develop. These should be specific actions like ‘brush teeth before bed’ or ‘complete homework on time’, rather than vague goals like ‘be good’.

Setting Up The Chart

Create a simple chart where progress can be visually tracked. Place it somewhere easily accessible and visible so your child can see their progress regularly.

Reward Selection

The rewards need not be extravagant. They could range from extra playtime, choosing the dinner menu one night or even small tangible items. The key is for the reward to be meaningful to your child.

Consistency is Key

Be consistent with the use of the chart. Ensure that every instance of the desired behavior is acknowledged and rewarded as per the system you’ve set up.

In essence, effectively using a reward chart involves clear communication, consistency, and rewarding behaviors that are within your child’s control.

Navigating Through Common Missteps

While reward charts can be effective tools, they also come with potential pitfalls which can hinder their effectiveness or even lead to unintended consequences if not handled correctly.

Mistaking Bribes for Rewards

A common misstep is confusing rewards with bribes. While both involve giving something in return for a behavior, there’s a crucial difference: rewards are given after a behavior has occurred consistently while bribes are offered beforehand to coax an immediate action.

Relying Excessively on External Motivation

Reward charts run the risk of fostering external motivation where children perform actions solely for rewards rather than understanding and internalizing the value of the behavior itself. To avoid this pitfall, gradually phase out tangible rewards and focus more on verbal praise or intrinsic rewards like feelings of accomplishment.

Digging Deeper: Fostering Intrinsic Motivation

The ultimate goal of using reward charts isn’t just about encouraging specific behaviors but fostering intrinsic motivation – where children engage in behaviors because they find them personally rewarding and satisfying. This involves focusing on praising effort rather than outcome, emphasizing learning over performance, fostering autonomy by allowing choices within boundaries and offering constructive feedback instead of criticism.

Your Questions Answered: Reward Chart Realities

Can I use reward charts for older children or teenagers? Yes, reward charts can be adapted for use with older children and teens. The behaviors and rewards would need to be age-appropriate.
My child seems to lose interest in the chart after a while. What can I do? Try changing the rewards or involving your child more in the process of setting up the chart and choosing rewards.
I have more than one child. Can I use a single chart for all? It’s better to have separate charts for each child to cater to their individual needs and avoid competition.

A Step Forward: Embracing Growth Through Reward Charts

The journey of parenting is filled with opportunities for growth, both for you and your child. While reward charts are not a magic solution, they can be an effective tool when used thoughtfully and consistently. Remember that every child is unique, so what works well for one might not work as effectively for another. Be patient, keep learning, and continue adapting your strategies as needed.

Note: This article contains general advice about using reward charts as a parenting tool but does not replace professional medical or clinical advice where it’s needed.