Creative Rewards for Kids: Beyond Toys and Candy
Parents looking for innovative ways to reward their children can find inspiration in these 10 alternatives shared by mom and teacher Kirah Johnson. Instead of relying on the usual toys and candy, Johnson emphasizes creative and engaging alternatives that foster bonding between parents and kids.
1. Bubble Bath Bliss: Johnson suggests a bubble bath as a rewarding experience, highlighting that reinforcement doesn’t have to be costly but can still be enjoyable.
2. Dinner Delight: Children get to choose their favorite meal as a reward, adding an element of excitement to mealtime and empowering them with decision-making.
3. Board Games at the Coffee Shop: Encouraging family game time at a local coffee shop adds a unique and enjoyable dimension to the reinforcement process.
4. Family Movie and Forts Night: Combining the joy of watching a movie with the adventure of building forts creates a memorable family experience as a reward.
5. Quality Time with Parents: Johnson emphasizes the value of one-on-one time with parents, stressing that rewards can be cost-free and leave a lasting impact.
6. Temporary Hair Dye Fun: For a bit of novelty, temporary hair dye serves as a fun and temporary reward, allowing children to express themselves in a unique way.
7. Late Nights and Night Hikes: Injecting excitement, late nights and night hikes offer a thrilling reward that many kids find exhilarating.
8. DJ in the Car: Letting children be the DJ for the day, choosing all the music during a car ride, adds a playful and personalized touch to the reinforcement.
9. Outing with Grandparents: Pulling out the “big guns,” an outing with grandparents is positioned as a significant win for everyone involved, creating cherished memories.
10. Child-Generated Rewards: Johnson emphasizes the importance of tailoring rewards to each child’s preferences and interests. She encourages parents to involve their children in the decision-making process.
Johnson draws inspiration from her own child, who suggested a “special bath” as a reward, showcasing the significance of understanding individual preferences. Other parents also share their creative approaches, such as incorporating cleaning activities as a reward.
In a world where the conventional toys-and-candy approach can become monotonous, these alternatives offer a refreshing perspective on reinforcing positive behavior in children. By aligning rewards with children’s interests, parents can make the reinforcement process exciting and meaningful.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The scoop unworthy
