Do you think it is important to show your child appreciation for good behavior?

The way you respond right after your child’s behaviors makes the behavior more or less likely to happen again. Behaviors are more likely to happen again when followed by a positive consequence like a reward. This is true for all behaviors, even those you don’t want to happen again.
Why rewards?
Rewards help motivate and inspire. They provide positive reinforcement for good behavior while helping encourage your child to complete a difficult task. Rewards are recognition for a job well done.
Understand rewards.
A reward isn’t a bribe. It’s something your child earns for correctly doing what you asked. A reward must be of value. There is no point offering rewards your child isn’t interested in achieving.. And while rewards should never be given out haphazardly, they shouldn’t be impossible to achieve either. Rather, rewards should reflect the effort your child put in to achieve them. Consider using both tangible and intangible rewards:
Tangible rewards include stickers, small toys, treats, privileges (like TV time), choosing what’s for dinner or earning points toward a special gift.
Intangible rewards include heartfelt thanks and acknowledgment: “I liked how you listened to Sarah today — you were a really good friend.” Be careful not to overpraise though. Kids can tell the difference between a true compliment and an exaggerated one.
Reward the effort, not the achievement itself. Progress, not perfection. — Cynthia Crossley, Habyts
What kind of rewards can you give your child?
- Praise. It costs nothing.. Praise their effort, not the achievement.
- Hi-5. Acknowledge your child’s achievement with this simple, fun action.
- Read a book. Their favorite. And let them choose the time and place.
- Play a video clip. One you both like. And save it just for these occasions.
- Candy. Enough said. A favorite with kids [and parents] for a reason.
- Stay up late. But not too late! 5–15 minutes extra depending on your child’s accomplishment and whether it’s a school night or not.
- Do a puzzle. Together, or as a family. But make sure you finish it!
- What’s for dinner? Let them choose, not just for them but the whole family.
- Bonus screen time. Just a little extra. 15 mins more to say ‘good job’.
- Choose a film…for you to sit down and watch together as a family.
- Bake together. Let them chose the recipe. The messier, the better!
- Take photos. Grab a camera and have some photo fun!
- Role reversal. Just for a day. Let your child be the parent and choose where you go, what you do, eat, watch and even go to bed!
- Choose the tune. In the car or the house. Whatever they choose, goes.
- Earn art stuff for creative fun. Great for home or school. And no doubt they probably need them!
- Buy ice cream. Another firm favorite with kids and parents alike.
- Surprise scavenger hunt. In the house or garden. Make the clues challenging and the prize worth it. A favorite tasty treat works well.
- TV Show. Let them have the remote for the evening or just the hour.
- Stickers. Works wonders for young children. But beware, those stickers get EVERYWHERE. That really is part of the fun.
- Extra responsibilities. Kids crave extra responsibility, but make them earn it!
- Visit the Grandparents. Usually a win-win scenario for all involved.
- Earn an item. Just something small which promotes physical activity. A jump rope, football, or hula hoop all go down a treat.
- Tie-dye-tastic. Take an old shirt and add a splash of colour. Or a lot!
- Choose a takeaway! Like picking dinner, only better. Your child chooses a takeaway the whole family can enjoy.
- Art session! Grab paints and get creative and messy together!
- Do a fun science experiment! The messier the experiment, the better of course.
- Kickabout in the garden with Mum or Dad.
Most importantly, give your child affection as a reward. Using affection as a reward can be an effective way to let your child know you approve of their behavior. At Active Tots Zone, we believe that a proper reward system encourages not only good behavior but also good performances. over the years our teachers have become very creative on what and how to reward an individual child or a class as a whole ranging from colorful prints of stumps or stickers both on children’s books or their hands.
A word of caution
When it comes to rewarding your child’s good behavior, it is important to send the right message. Do not praise your child’s intelligence when they succeed, instead focus on their effort. Praise good habits, the ones that lead to good behaviors, rather than the behaviors itself. Take care to teach your child that you respect their work and effort into doing their best rather than an arbitrary result.
If you do not, you could find that your child will try to hold on to your praise by restricting themselves from activities and challenges for fear of failing and losing their rewards.
For more information about our school visit our website http://activetotzone.com/.
What would you want to read next about parenting? Suggest a topic via WhatsApp number: +255719884169
FYI: We’re open for registration for both our schools Active Tots Zone for Pre-School & Day Care contact us through +255719884169 for Primary school class 1 & 2 contacts us through +255677000677
