Rewards Points – They Work!

Last year around this time I started a reward points system for my kids.  I was tired of being a nag and even more tired of listening to my children grumble about having to do simple things like cleaning up their toys or doing their homework.  I also felt like they had reached an age where helping with some household chores should be a part of their daily routine.  So during dinner one night last year I introduced my kids to the rewards points system, and it’s been amazing the difference this simple system has made!

Here’s how it works:
My kids can earn points for all sorts of things.

rewards points system for kids
Labels made with Zink!

They both really love to earn points and are always so thrilled when they’ve reached the magic number.

Once they’ve earned 20 points they have 3 options:


1. Pick a treasure from our treasure box.

treasure box rewards system
More labeling with Zink

2. Earn $2.

 or  3. Treat the family to a treat.

Letting them choose an option is so huge for them.  They love having choices and being able to make their own decision.  The bonus for me is that this has also helped to cut down on all the requests while we’re out shopping.  And very often when I do happen to purchase that pack of Pokemon cards my son just “has to have” they are deposited into the treasure chest where he’ll have to earn them.

All in all the rewards points system has made a major improvement in attitudes around here and that makes me a happy momma.  It’s a simple system for me to keep up with to as the tally sheet is right inside the medicine/cookbook cabinet in my kitchen, and I keep the treasure box hidden underneath my bed.

organized kitchen cabinet - medicine/cookbooks/important numbers/rewards points

Do you use a reward system in your home?

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  • I have four kids. Each one is expected to do their chores everyday per our chore chart. If they go over and beyond those chores or help out their siblings or just have an amazing attitude they get to pick out a reward from the Reward Jar. Each one is a special activity for them. We also have a punishment jar, because I was so tired of having to think up a punishment every time they misbehaved. They both work beautifully.

  • We do something similar. They earn marbles and once they've earned enough, they can choose from the treasure box. It worked really well for the first couple years, but my oldest is now 7 and he's kinda over it. I like your options outside of the treasures and think I'll give it a whirl.

  • I did something very similar! When my step son was 8-10 years old, he earned and lost points. when he had a total of 20 earned points, he could "cash them in"

    now that he is 13, the point system is a little young for him so this year, I sat down with him and created a contract. same sort of earn more privileges for being "good" and lose them for the "bad". it's a little more arbitrary but it is helping him build independence and its much more like real life. so far he has earned (and then again lost) privileges to take his iPod to school (it's allowed in school for bus rides only).

  • I love this and I'm so going to do it! My 6-year old will be all about it. Any tips on remembering to give the tally marks? Or do your kids take care of reminding you? 🙂

  • My kids are good at reminding me and they almost always know exactly how many points they have and how many more they need. Homework and dinner time are easy times for me to remember since I'm in the kitchen.

  • Last year we started a reward system for our kids too. It was based on a behavioral and chore chart and they got to pick from a reward jar for prizes based on the number of stars they received. The prizes ranged from simple things such as 30 minutes of TV one day, mom has to do one of their chores, or frozen yogurt trips. It was really effective. They loved being able to get extra TV time because we didn't allow any TV on school days. This year since my daughter entered middle school we revamped the system for her so she now earns mom bucks. Those bucks can be traded in for real bucks that she can spend how she wants or can be traded for special outings. Its working brilliantly! Its also teaching her the importance of money and how to save up for things she wants, as well as showing her that her actions have consequences so she needs to learn at an early age how to make positive choices.

  • Great idea! Love the organization and consistency around this plan! Kids love reward based things! I know that's how the teachers get them fired up to donwhatbthey need to! It must be a good system, right?!

    Laura
    House envy

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