If you a parent who believes in doling out rewards for good behavior, good grades, etc., you know it can get a bit expensive. Fortunately, there are many free or low cost rewards we can offer our kids. In the book Common Sense Parenting, the authors offer such a list. Some of the rewards we can offer our children that won’t break the bank include the following:
(1) Being able to say up late or stay out later than usual.
(2) Having a friend sleep over.
(3) Going over to a friend’s house.
(4) Having extra TV, computer or video time.
(5) Having one less chore than usual.
(6) Picking the family movie.
(7) Having mom or dad read a story.
(8) Playing a game with mom or dad.
(9) For teens, being able to use the car.
(10) Sleeping in late on the weekends.
(11) Having extra phone time.
(12) Being able to plan the family menu.
(13) Having a special snack.
(14) Sitting at the head of the table.
(15) Being able to leave their room messy for one day.
(16) Sleeping outside.
(17) Being able to pick a family outing.
(18) Deciding where to go for dinner.
(19) Having an indoor picnic.
(20) Going on a fishing trip or bike ride with parents.
(21) A trip to the zoo, park, etc.
(22) Going to a special event or having an extra night out with friends.
As you can, these rewards won’t cost much if anything. Tyler especially loves being able to stay up just 15 minutes past his bed time. He also likes having one extra book read and being able to pick out DVD movies from the library. Most of all, I think he really enjoys being able to play games with me. Nothing seems to bring a smile to his face more than this.
I also like to surprise him with little treats as rewards, but again, they generally don’t cost me much. I may pick up a pack of neat pencils from the dollar store and give him one or two at a time. I’ll buy a whole bag of mixed candy or gum and give him a piece here and there. What I’ve learned from being a mom is that kids like money and material things but they often prefer something that money can’t buy— your undivided attention.