As parents and caregivers, we all want to encourage good habits and positive behavior in our children. However, achieving this can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, especially when it involves constant reminders and nagging. The good news is that with a little creativity and the right tools, you can build good habits over time and foster an environment of positive reinforcement.
Be Consistent
Establish a daily routine that includes time for chores, homework, and reading. A predictable schedule reduces the need for constant reminders.
Set Clear Expectations
Make sure your child knows what is expected of them each day. Clear guidelines help them understand their responsibilities.
Use Visual Aids
Sticker charts, calendars, and checklists can be helpful tools to visually track tasks and allow you to “catch them being good!”
We’ve created a handy chart here for your use: Reward Chart
Celebrate Progress
Celebrate milestones and achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in maintaining motivation.
Reward Good Behavior
Rewarding good behavior is an effective way to encourage positive habits in children to build over time. Many businesses have joined parents in rewarding kids. Take a look in your area for these programs and more:
- Local Libraries: Many local libraries offer summer reading programs with various incentives. These can range from small prizes to special events, all designed to keep kids excited about reading. Check with your local library to see what programs are available.
- Chuck E. Cheese: Chuck E. Cheese offers printable reward charts for all sorts of things, even recording lost teeth and dentist visits. They provide fun prizes to keep kids motivated.
- Barnes & Noble Escape into Reading Program: Barnes & Noble offers a summer reading program that encourages kids to read books and earn rewards. This is a great way to keep them engaged in reading during the summer months.
- Books-A-Million: Check out their Summer Reading Program encouraging the reading of 4 books with a chance to win prizes.
- Half Price Books: Offers a Summer Reading Camp and a Book Log to earn $5 at their stores.
- Braum’s Book Buddy Program: Some locations of Braum’s Ice Cream offer a summer program to reward kids for reading books. What a delicious idea!
- Amazon Summer Reading Challenge: This program encourages kids to read at least seven books to receive a personalized certificate and one free book from select National Geographic Kids titles.
By using these strategies and resources, you can foster an environment that encourages and rewards good habits and positive behavior in your children.
Happy parenting!
