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I’ve spoken several times about our need for improving my daughter’s behavior. I’ve also shared how we’ve used consequence and reward jars to improve things and what I’ve learned from the system.
An integral part of the system was the reward jar. Instead of focusing solely on the negative behavior that needed improvement, I knew it was important to praise and reward her for her good behavior. In using a reward jar, I was able to see the number of times she was good. Sadly, I recognized shortly thereafter how much I tended to focus on the bad.
With the reward jar in place, she also was able to have something concrete to work toward.
When she fills her reward jar, she gets to choose a special outing.
We chose not to include toys and trinkets as rewards because she has too much stuff. Plus, she’s been earning money since she was a toddler doing toddler chores. By allowing her to choose a special activity, we are able to celebrate her accomplishment together, as a family. Of course, your reward options may look different than ours, but I strongly encourage experiences rather than material items.
Do you want some suggestions for reward jars?
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Make Your Own Reward Jar
It was easy to set up a reward jar, but it’s not really cute. At least, not at my house. I cleaned out an old Bonne Maman preserves jar, labeled it with a chalkboard label, and employed some craft puffs as the reward balls.
Don’t want to be crafty or look for empty jars? You can certainly purchase reward jars or reward charts that would do the same job.
Reward Jars and Charts
House of Marbles Marble Reward Jar
MegaFun USA Jr Good Job Jar with Mega Marbles
MegaFun USA Good Job Jar with Mega Marbles
Bigtime Magnetic Dry Erase Reward Chart (for one or multiple children)
Great advice!! My daughter would definitely benefit from something like this!! She is just 2 but she already loves getting rewards for things. This is a great way to introduce it to her. Great job
I love the idea of an activity instead of money or an object. We’ve been all about experiences not things lately!
Jennifer Ostroski recently posted…Trader Joe’s Price List vs. Local Chain Grocery Store – Which is Better?
YESSSS! I love this :). If you focus on the positive behaviors your children are engaging in, you are praising what they SHOULD be doing and not just focusing on the challenging behaviors. Often times, people think that if you are doing a reward or sticker chart that you have to provide a “thing” at the end. However, it can be anything that the child is motivated for (trip to the park, movie night, e.g.) so its awesome you mentioned that! Great suggestions.
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