Reward Chart Review

About two weeks ago I finally followed through on something I had been thinking about for months; I made a reward chart!

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Why did I make a reward chart you ask? Well, for a number of reasons but primarily our  kids had been arguing a lot and getting them dressed and out the door in the morning was a struggle. I needed to find a way to incentivize them! Also, with spring break on the horizon and no major travel plans we wanted to plan some fun things but wanted them to earn these activities.

Two weeks in and I think we are all pleasantly surprised with the results. The kids are still engaged with the rewards program I think due to its visual and interactive nature and it has also proven to be a math lesson in addition and subtraction! However, the best and most surprising benefit is that it has finally (ugh) helped to get our 3.5 year son interested in committing to potty training. Major bonus!

Our plan is to continue until they meet all the reward thresholds (probably 2 more weeks) and then we will definitely reintroduce again as we get closer to summer break. Read on for my TAKE on how to set up a reward chart of your own! For more photos and details check out my instagram stories here.

Reward Chart Set Up

  • I mocked up an initial design on a sheet of paper and got to work.
  • My design laid out sections for both of our older children to receive stickers for both good and bad choices. 
  • For a good choice such as going to the bathroom on the potty or getting dressed and brushing teeth in the morning without being asked warrants one star.  Random acts of kindness towards each other has also warranted stars.
  • For a bad choice such as not sharing, arguing, not eating their dinner or having a meltdown etc... a grumpy emoji sticker has been given.
  • Our star stickers are various sizes but every star equals one point.
  • The chart has a “total” section and we officially tally our points once a week. Good choices minus bad choices equal our total. Truth be told, the kids really prefer to count them daily.  
  • Rewards are listed at the bottom of the chart and broken out in increments of five.

What I Would Change

  • Add rewards that cost less $ or no $ such as “screen time” or  a “family game night”.
  • Include some rewards at lower point thresholds to get them excited early on and keep them incentivized.
  • This would take some time but perhaps design a star placement layout of some sort. We let the kids put their stars on the chart themselves and the randomized placement makes it hard for them to count them. 
  • Next time I plan to use a yard stick which will make my lines straighter and this sometimes perfectionist happier with the finished product. 
  • Possibly use foam board to make it sturdier. 

Reward Chart Supplies