J. David Speaks: Setting Up A Reward System In The Home
Do you have a reward system in your home?
I was speaking with one of my colleagues last year about reward systems in the classroom and what we felt would also work in the home. My colleague is a parent of two teenagers, and she clearly explained to me the system she used when they were youngsters. I thought it would be great food for thought for other parents. But remember, this is an example of a reward system that worked for one family. Read it, modify it to your own home and put it to work. Here’s her system:
1. Establish a target goal with your child. This can be based upon the completion of a chore, a particular behavior or homework.
2. Talk to your child and decide on an appropriate reward.
3. Photocopy a picture of the reward and laminate it.
4. Cut picture into six pieces.
5. Every time behavior is exhibited give your child a piece of the “puzzle”.
6. Give them the reward after all the puzzle pieces have been earned.
Tips
Once a piece has been earned it cannot be taken back.
Be very clear about what behavior earns a piece.
Offer a lot of positive reinforcement in addition to earning the puzzle piece.
Keep the completed pieces in a safe and visible place so your child can see his/her success and the pieces don’t get lost.
Would this work with your child? What do you have in place?
September 2nd, 2009
