REWARD SYSTEMS

Implementing a reward system looks different for every family. Whether you’re working toward a big milestone like potty training or trying to reduce resistance around everyday tasks, a consistent reward system can make progress easier and help build lasting habits.

In our family, we’ve seen how sticking with a reward system can turn “I can’t” into “I want to.” It not only motivates kids to follow through but also builds their confidence as they see what they’re capable of.

When you use a reward system, you’re telling your child, “This is the behavior I want to see,” and then celebrating it when it happens. That makes them more likely to do it again, and little by little it turns hard tasks into habits.

WHERE TO START:

  1. Focus on one priority behavior. Examples can be brushing your teeth, cleaning up your toys, having a good drop off at school. Be specific.
  2. Match a reward to the behavior (this is called pairing). Tell them exactly what they’ll earn each time they do it (we prefer tickets, but it can be stickers, tokens- whatever you use). Then, every time they do the behavior, give the reward right away. Doing it quickly helps them connect “I did this” with “I earned that.”
  3. Make the earning rules clear. When do they get a ticket? How many tickets are needed to choose a treasure or token?
  4. Cash out for prizes! In the first few days, make rewards easy to earn so your child feels successful and stays motivated. Once they understand how it works, you can slowly increase how much they need to earn a prize.
  5. Stay consistent. Show up, celebrate effort, and focus on progress over perfection.

HOW TO APPLY IT:

  1. Brush your teeth 2x a day.
  2. Each time you brush your teeth, you will receive a ticket.
  3. It will cost 6 tickets to go in the treasure box and 10 tickets to earn a token. You can spend or save your tickets!
  4. Celebrate when the kids have enough tickets to cash in for a prize, make time for them to do so.
  5. Recognize progress over perfection.  Provide the ticket even if you have to remind them to brush their teeth! 


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