| If you want to improve how your kids respond | | | | once earned no matter how the scene may have |
| to your behavior change program, you may need | | | | deteriorated. At times he does not earn his |
| to fine-tune your reward system. Here are six | | | | points, that in itself is a penalty so you |
| key questions to guide you to create rewards | | | | need do nothing more. Refocus on the |
| to a tailor-made fit to your child's | | | | positive. |
| individuality. | | | | |
| | | | 6. Are you following through with your part? |
| 1. Do your rewards have enough novelty to | | | | Parents, educators and caregivers are busy |
| keep your child motivated? Even the most fun | | | | people and what sometimes is neglected, as a |
| and unique rewards get old. Keep updated with | | | | result, is their very vital role. A most |
| rewards that propel your children and | | | | common reason that a well-crafted behavior |
| students to keep working towards a goal. Fine | | | | program does not work is because the adults |
| tune and freshen up rewards before their | | | | get too busy and those essential and exciting |
| appeal fizzles out. | | | | check marks, parent initials or tokens don't |
| | | | get handed out. If it is impossible to be |
| 2. Are you overlooking praise as a natural | | | | there consistently, let the tracking system |
| and easy to deliver reward? Praise blossoms | | | | be self-administering, where your child is on |
| self-esteem. Praise is a compelling | | | | the honor system. You might be delighted by |
| motivator. Kids love to hear their parents | | | | how he or she honors the agreement. It is |
| and teachers be proud of them. Praise the | | | | okay to commit only to what you comfortably |
| deed. "Good job on the clean-up. I don't see | | | | can do. And you will see, the time you give |
| a speck of dirt!" | | | | up now will pay off dramatically in the time |
| | | | and relief that will be your reward.For more |
| 3. Are you rewarding for effort? Build | | | | on rewards in your behavior change program, |
| success into your behavior program. Make sure | | | | see companion articles:Social Skills and |
| your child can count on achievement. If a | | | | Rewards: Five Tips for Tailoring your |
| reward is getting an A, set it up so the | | | | Behavior Change System to a Perfect Fit for |
| child has opportunities to get the thrill of | | | | your ChildSocial Skills and Your Behavior |
| an A. | | | | Change Program: Troubleshooting When the |
| | | | Rewards Aren't WorkingEllen Mossman-Glazer |
| 4. Are your rewards scheduled frequently | | | | M.Ed. is a Life Skills Coach and Behavior |
| enough? Remember the objective of a reward is | | | | Specialist. She is the author of two on line |
| to reinforce positive behavior. That means | | | | e-zines, Emotion Matters: Tools and Tips for |
| giving your child encouragement to keep doing | | | | Parents, Educators and Caregivers and Social |
| the good thing. If the goal is a tougher for | | | | Skills: The Micro Steps. Subscribe for free |
| your child to achieve, set up your program to | | | | and see more about Ellen at You can take a |
| give little rewards or partial points along | | | | free mini assessment which Ellen will reply |
| the way for effort or steps taken toward an | | | | to with your first action step. Over her 20 |
| end goal. | | | | years in special education classrooms and |
| | | | treatment settings, Ellen has seen the |
| 5. Are you keeping the focus on positive | | | | struggle that children and adults have when |
| behaviors? Play down points not earned. You | | | | they feel they don't fit in. Currently she |
| want your child to keep the thrill of earning | | | | works in private practice helping parents, |
| in his mind and you do this by keeping the | | | | educators, caregivers and their challenging |
| focus on building the points or accumulating | | | | loved ones find the tools to thrive. |
| the tokens. Allow your child to keep points | | | | |