Are you tired of punishing your kids when they are acting out? Who isn’t! This is why many parents find using a reward system to be helpful to support positive behavior versus punishing bad behavior. But do reward charts work? And what do you do when your sticker chart isn’t working?
The fact is, rewarding positive behavior is a key tool to teach children what we want them to do more of. The benefits of adopting these reward systems or token economy are that they’re effective, they allow for flexibility and they do all this while rewarding new skills. So, where’s the catch?
4 Reasons Your Reward Chart Isn’t Working
While using a reward system with stickers or tokens can be advantageous, I’ve observed a variety of factors in my practice where parents may be unaware of how they are setting it up for failure.
Maybe little Asher is hoarding tokens, or doesn’t want to cash them in, or, without consistent use and management, it just falls apart completely.
If something isn’t going as planned, don’t give up yet, it’s simply a sign that one or all of the following may be occurring:
1. Inconsistent and mismanagement of the ‘Token Economy’
Creating and implementing a new behavior management system requires time, energy, resources, implementation, and evaluation.
Before you begin, start off on the right foot with these reward chart tips:
- Clearly explain how the reward system works: When “X” behavior happens, you receive “X” reward.
- Model how tokens are used to “cash” in at the store, and enroll them in the excitement of it.
- Ongoing consistency. Make sure tokens are presented contingently and immediately after the positive behavior.
2. Taking tokens away too early on
While the focus of the token system is to reward the positive behavior rather than decrease undesired behavior, if a parent takes away tokens early in the process the child then goes into debt, which decreases the desire to earn the rewards.
However, if you want to remove tokens as your child becomes more acclimated in the use of the Token Economy, you can do that later. In fact, research shows that having both reinforcement and punishment in the system will make it more effective. You can always add this in after you and your child get the hang of the system.
3. Tokens are difficult to earn
When you begin your system, be generous! You want them to learn the desired behaviors and receive more tokens, thereby getting access to a bigger prize. If a caregiver withholds tokens, the bar may be set too high and the child can lose interest.
This is one of the most common reasons your reward chart isn’t working. Keep that bar low and set them up for success.
4. Child is uninterested in rewards
Don’t forget to keep it fresh! Just like adults, kids can lose interest quickly and innovation is key. Put larger reward items “on sale” so you can add new rewards in. Bring in seasonal prizes for a surprise to keep them guessing on what will be next.
Making Sticker Charts Work
By implementing these tools, you can lay the groundwork for a successful Token Economy and reward system that everyone in your household will benefit from. It may be daunting at first, but once you lay the proper groundwork, the rest will follow.
Curious to learn a little more or want to set up your own system and not sure where to begin?
Listen to my podcast, Parenting Understood, with Dr. Jeanne Donaldson (also available on YouTube) for applicable tools you can start using today for a happier kid and a more peaceful you.