Rewards of A Different Color

In an effort to reward our children's good behavior but not promote materialism and multiply the already overwhelming pile of useless toys my children accumulate I came up with some alternative "Star Charts."

I print out a table for each child on the computer with places for the kids to place star stickers in each empty box. Each time I catch the child doing something good without being asked or doing something they dislike without complaints they get one or two stars, filling in the boxes. In the far right column I list the reward that each gets for completing three or four rows of stars.

So far, nothing remarkable but instead of giving physical rewards like candy, toys, etc. for filling in their stars I gave less tangible rewards that have come to be much more popular--and it varied according to what each child liked.

Examples include: ordering your favorite meal for dinner, getting to stay up an extra hour, going on a bike ride to a destination of your choice, going on a picnic, etc. The final "prize" for filling in the entire chart was a date night with Mom and Dad of their choice. Dinner, a movie, Discovery Zone, a bookstore trip, rollerblading at the park, ice cream and a hike, whatever they wanted.

The one-on-one time has been invaluable and the kids enjoy the power of choosing their own date. It's proved to be excellent incentive for good behavior.

Check in with Rocks in My Dryer every Wednesday for other good tips.


Also, go read the post at Mom On A Wire which got her nominated for October's Perfect Post award. Succinct, thoughtful and visually interesting--I thought it deserved some recognition. Check out Petroville or Suburban Turmoil for other Perfect Post winners.

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