I know there are parents who doesn't support the reward system, but I do. Sometimes it's hard for a child to understand why they have to change what they are doing when it was never a problem before (using a potty instead of a nappy that has been with them since birth, for example). Or when the task in hand is just not very interesting to do and word of encouragement doesn't feel solid enough (doing extra practises at home that's not set by the school will push the child a step closer to success, which can't be seen and isn't of their concern at the moment, for example).
Some parents might say that the reward system teaches children to always seek for a reward in return of doing something, but I found that not true (in our case anyway). Let alone that the reward system is already embedded in this world (school merits, bonus points from playing games, trophies in competitions, increase in salary, etc) and we aren't really affecting the kids any more than the society already is, there are times when I asked the kids to do something just to help mummy out, or because they are part of this family, or because they should help those who are in need, they understood and have never asked for something in return or think about what's in it for them.
Of course, you don't use the reward system every time. For us, it's only in place when we are stuck with other methods, and we always teach them the correct way of thinking when it comes to giving without asking for something in return.
But as I said, there are times that the reward system is my best friend. When I had to potty train the kids, I struggled to get them out of the comfort of a nappy because it doesn't make sense to do something the harder way when they can just get on with it and it will be changed (ahhh. The life of a baby eh?). The reward system worked its magic for both kids, although in different extend. It was easier with Abby as she loved stickers and she was so excited to see visually how well she has been doing with the sticker chart (she used to count her stickers all the time!), but it was a bit more difficult with Clay because he preferred to do things his way, and I had to lure him with a small piece of chocolate each time. We got there eventually, and the reward system have saved the little ones from being stressed out, trying to understand why I was making things difficult for them.
Now that Abby is almost 8, stickers doesn't excite her anymore, and I don't want to encourage the kids to eat sweets and chocolates. So when I asked her to do a bit more for her homework (a book chapter review daily so that me and the teachers can know how much she understood from her reading), which she wasn't interested because she's already doing better than others, I was stuck for ideas to get her going.
When I was given the opportunity to review a Fairy Reward Box from the Reward Box, I hoped that Abby would be interested because it is a really beautiful box and I could do with a bit of help to get her going. She was!
The Fairy Reward Box (RRP £35.00) is a beautiful and well crafted wooden house box that comes with 20 sparkling silver stars, kept inside a silver drawstring organza bag. The Reward Box also comes with 10+ free Magic Promise Vouchers, which can be used as a reward in return for the earned star tokens (see below). The reward box comes in a sturdy gift box with a solid plastic panel front as well, so it'll make a lovely gift too.
The house and stars are all beautifully painted, and the hinge is solid. They are really well made and everything says quality. As soon as Abby saw the box, she fell in love and immediately went on to personalise her box with the Fairy Reward Box Personalisation Kit (£5 for 2 sheets of stickers - 1 sheet is full of alphabets and the other full of beautiful fairy stickers).
The recommended use is to allow the child earn their star token, and it can then be exchanged for either a reward or a Magic Promise Voucher, which a parent (or fairy) can write on with a promise to take the child to the zoo, for example. Of course you can use it the way you want to, and there are more ideas on their website as well if you want some inspiration. For Abby, she will get a reward every time she has collected all 20 stars, just to make it a bit harder and to let her practise saving up. You can also buy another 20 stars for £10.00 so you have more stars to reward.
When I mentioned to Abby that she can earn a star token every time she finish a book chapter review, instead of the usual reaction, she happily said okay without complains! I think it helped that the box and stars are so pretty, and the box is personalised by herself. It must be special to her because it's now sitting on the most obvious spot on her desk. The Reward Box will no doubt last for a very long time. When Abby has grown out from needing a reward box, she can use it as a keepsake box.
They also have a Pirate Reward Box to choose from, and really cute pirate personalisation stickers to match. You can check The Reward Box's Facebook page out now for a 25% off deal!