Children should be rewarded in the same way that adults are rewarded for a job well done. Despite the fact that many children take an active interest in learning and earning high grades on their own, positive reinforcement is required to sustain this interest over time. Providing this leadership and motivation through an effective reward system is one aspect of parenting. Even so, many parents are concerned about simply rewarding their children with money for good behaviour or grades. Fortunately, there are several creative ways to reward children for good grades that do not involve handing over money. Here are 10 creative reward ideas for kids that are small, inexpensive, and enjoyable!
Verbal Recognition
Never underestimate the power of a few kind words. “Great job on your hard work,” a hug, or raising a hand for a high five are all excellent ways to encourage your child’s strengths. Your child should never doubt his or her own abilities, especially when it comes to how you perceive his or her abilities. Furthermore, you can display the report card or project on the refrigerator for others to see and comment on, letting them know you are proud of them. These are small rewards for children, but they make a big difference. We all want to be appreciated.
Establish a Savings Account
You may not want to give money to younger children, but you may want to consider putting it in a savings account that your child can monitor. This practise will ensure that your child has enough money saved by the time they graduate to purchase a car, pay for college, or rent an apartment for a few months. Ten dollars here and there adds up quickly!
Special Occasion
If you have multiple children, consider devoting a day to just the child you want to reward. Take a fun day trip that is only an hour away. Visit the zoo or spend some time at the beach. Quality time is one of the best reward ideas for children because it strengthens your bond and demonstrates that you care. Young children frequently crave special alone time with their parents, and this is an excellent bonding opportunity.
Extra Screen Time or Later Bedtime
Many parents choose to increase their children’s privileges as they become more responsible. You could increase your child’s time on the computer, playing video games, or watching television by 15 or 30 minutes to reward positive behaviour. You may want to give older children an extra 30 minutes before bedtime or a short curfew extension. This is an excellent way to recognise your child’s adherence to responsibilities and expectations. On the other hand, your child should understand that privileges can be revoked if they stop working hard in school or act irresponsibly.
Books
Books are an excellent reward for children who enjoy reading. Rewarding good grades with a new book encourages students to continue their education and allows them to take pride in owning the book. We usually go to the library to get books. When they do well in school, we reward them with a trip to the bookstore. Because used book stores are so inexpensive, books make excellent small rewards for children. Books are also tangible gifts that can be treasured for a lifetime.
Family Evening
If you have a planned family night, let your child choose the activity and menu. A pizza party with ice cream sundaes or s’mores is one fun idea, as is a family game night, movie night, or miniature golf. A family night allows the entire family to participate in rewarding your child for their hard work. This is one of the enjoyable rewards for children that they will remember.
Their Choice of Dinner
They get whatever they want for dinner, no exceptions. It’s fine if they only want to eat cake and ice cream. Children enjoy breaking the rules of everyday life and doing the unexpected. Allow them to have some fun with it for one meal. Having cake for dinner one night will not ruin them and will serve as a reminder of how unique they are. It is a low-cost reward that children will undoubtedly enjoy.
Give Them a Unique Hobby Gift
This could be one of the most meaningful reward ideas for children. Is there anything your child desires or wishes they had more of? Recognize their efforts with a special gift. Art supplies or other hobby/craft supplies that they enjoy will not only reward them but will also inspire them to be creative. Furthermore, knowing that if they continue to do well, they will be rewarded will motivate them to work harder. These fantastic incentives may assist children in discovering hidden talents.
Allow them a week off.
What kid looks forward to doing chores? None that I am aware of! Give your child a week off from chores as a reward for their hard work. Tell your child that they are not required to make their bed, pick up their clothes, or perform any of the other chores that are usually assigned to them. Let them off the hook and give them a week off from any extra housework. This could be one of their favourite kid’s rewards!
Make a Scavenger Hunt.
Reward your child for their hard work with a special surprise or gift, but make them work for it. Create a scavenger hunt in which they must solve puzzles and riddles in order to find their surprise. They’ll enjoy the hunt almost as much as the surprise. And engaging them in active, creative play is always a good idea.
