Rewarding kids for good behavior, grades, or accomplishments can be a wonderful way to encourage them to continue to do well and be good children, but the way a parent rewards their kids can backfire and make their children spoiled. If you want to use a reward system with your children, work on ways to do so without spoiling them with lots of material things. The following tips can help you reward your children without having to add to the plethora of useless toys they have and are much more rewarding than simply buying them something.
1. Go to a museum or art gallery. Who said rewards can’t be fun and educational? Many times, you can even get in free to local museums or art galleries. It will be a fun time out of the house, and will allow you and your children to bond as you learn new things.
2. Rent new books. Instead of buying books, rent new ones from the library. You save money and they get new books often. Plus, you can rent books, too, and set a great example for your kids on how reading can be wonderful and fun.
3. Let them choose. Have a night where they get to choose dinner and a family activity that you all do. Allowing your kids to be involved can make them special, and the reward is still family-centered to show your them the importance of family bonding.
4. Give out coupons. Instead of giving cash, give your kids homemade coupons. This can be a “get out of chores free” coupon, or “eat cereal for dinner” coupon. Get creative and think of things your child would enjoy. You can save money and still reward your kids with things they want.
5. Spend time with your kids. When they are rewarded, spend one on one time with them and take them to a park, for a walk, or out to get coffee. You can talk to them about whatever the two of you want, and they get the honor of your attention without feeling like they have to share it. One on one time is always a great way to ensure your kids feel special, so don’t just use it as a reward. Before tests, recitals, or trips, take time to talk to your child and connect with them to make them feel more confident.
