Christian Parents - Discipline: Reward Charts

Discipline: Reward Charts

Friday, December 13th, 2024

© 2006, Just 'Cause Web Works

There comes a time when time out is no longer effective or appropriate for your child. Your child is growing and so is your relationship with her. By age six or so it is time to move on. She has learned some about rewards and delayed gratification. It's time that she learns that sometimes the answer is no and she is learning how to get what she wants even if it takes awhile. It's time for her to learn that adults can also get what they want without punishment.

Behavior improvement with stickers and stars
A chart is placed on a wall for all to see, but it is intended for her eyes. Her bedroom is a great lace if she spends time there alone other than sleeping. This method is used for the persistent challenges that face all parents. The first example that comes to mind is the messy bedroom. "Pick up the floor." When you come back all the toys are on the bed. "You knew what I meant" "But Mom, you said......." And of course the cute smile.

A chart of good behavior starts with agreement on what good behavior is, what the reward is, and that when the child practices this behavior it will result in a delayed reward. This is the main teaching point of the chart, that good social behavior results in good things. A chart replaces praise or verbal disapproval. The child sees if she is working towards what she wants. It teaches the child to discipline herself and reward herself.

Start off simple and small. Use only one chart for one bad behavior. One step at a time. Pick what you think is the child's easiest behavior for her to correct. Keep the reward small and family oriented. Say she really likes ice cream. Then a reward of a trip with the family to a ice cream shop. If you give them Chuck E. Cheese's the first time then what is left for the next behavior chart. If your child is paying no attention to the chart and promised reward then it is time to reassess. Was the reward just something she agreed to simply to get back to playing? Does she really understand how it works? Worst case scenario is she is still operating only on instant gratification. Try slightly delayed gratification. "I want to take you to get ice cream but we have to clean our rooms first."

Christian Parenting Navigation

Thoughts On Parenting Raising Children Preparing For Parenthood To Any Daddy The Limits Of Parents Privileges of a Father God's Counsel To Parents Training Our Children Establishing Rules Using The Rod Discipline: Time Out Time Out Away From Home Discipline: Reward Charts	Cheerful Obedience Allowance Children And Money Baby Proofing For Moms And Dads ABCs Of Raising Children Seven Characteristics Childhood Conversion Unconverted Children Children: Three Views How To Be Refuge Have I Ever Seen One?	Little Eyes Upon You Expectations And Parenting ABC's Of Parenthood Grandmothers And Mothers A Father's Day Poem The Duty Of Parents Creative Motivation The Parent Game Expect More Let the Children A Child As Time Goes By On Being A Parent	Parenting And Modeling Sins of the Fathers Understanding Our Youth Management of Boys How To Be A Stupid Parent Parents And Children Jesus Christ or Mickey Mouse? Musings Of A Good Parent Seriousness In Children The Mouths Of Babes The Next Generation Talking To Teenagers Ask, Listen, Clarify, Understand
Choose A Topic
Advice For Christians Read The Bible Online Work And Business Christian Charity Church Life	Christian Education Entertainment Your Environment Your Finances Healthy Living	Christian Home Christian Music Parenting Spirituality You And The Web	Christian Art And Literature Just For Teens Just For Kids Family Fun Debt Relief Christian Webmasters

Other Resources Section