Reward Chart

An effective chart should be made on either a poster board, marker board or a chalk board. Keep it in a central location, where it can be quickly viewed and seen by both you and the children.

Before you make your chart, work out on a piece of paper how you want it to operate. For example, you could list your children's names, then - in columns to the side of them - list the various chores they are supposed to do ('wash dishes', 'take out trash', etc). Then add a few behavioral categories - 'plays well with siblings', 'uses manners', 'behaves nicely' etc.

Decide a symbol or a sticker for a merit and perhaps a black X for a demerit (if you choose to use them - personally, I find positive reinforcement much more effective!). Mark every chore that is fulfilled with the 'good' symbol or sticker and - if you choose - mark every one NOT done with the X. At the end of the day or week or month (whichever you wish it to be) add up the rewards.

Rewards can be money, a desired object, or even a fun day out. Perhaps put a reward price on different things, like 10 points for an allowance of $5. Or 25 points for a trip to the movies. This is an excellent way to introduce strategies to save money.

However you decide to operate your reward chart, you'll find it a fun way to have the kids willingly help with household chores and make a real effort to behave nicely!

RESOURCES...

The Lazy Town Reward Chart Challenge
Free, printable charts from Supernanny
More charts, plus affirmation notes and coupons for young children

NEWSFLASH - Reward charts have gone hi-tech! Check out the cool - and FREE - online reward chart/job chart system that encourages children to save... www.myjobchart.com

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