How to reward your child for their academic achievements

Giving your child a reward is a way of encouraging them to replicate positive behaviour. Some children do better in school if they are rewarded for their performance. Regardless of why you reward your child, following a few basic steps will help ensure your approach is effective.

 

Follow certain rules

In theory, the satisfaction gained from reaching an academic goal should compensate for the effort that went into it and serve as a reward in itself. But for kids, it’s not always enough. When you’re hoping for a particular outcome, it can be tempting to give your child a bit of extra motivation by promising them a reward. That said, for this technique to be effective, it’s best to do the following:

• Recognize the effort, not the score
• Set realistic goals
• Make your expectations clear
• Require your child to meet all of their goals before giving them the reward
• Keep your promises
• Be patient
• Etc.

 

Suggest fun rewards

A reward can make your child feel excited about reaching goals and reinforce the sense that they are making progress, which can be very encouraging and motivating. A reward doesn’t need to be expensive or particularly original to be effective—just try to think of something fun that your child will like. Here are some examples of rewards kids love:

• Reading two bedtime stories
• Eating breakfast for dinner
• Cooking as a family
• Letting them choose a movie to watch
• Having a pajama day
• Going on a special outing
• Playing a board game
• Building a fort under the kitchen table
• Etc.

 

Use a motivational chart

A motivational chart will help your child visualize their goals and progress. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to use a motivational chart:

• To recognize positive behaviour
• To motivate your child
• To make homework and studying less of a struggle
• To encourage your child to be autonomous
• Etc.

 

For the chart to be beneficial, it must meet the following criteria:

• It suits your child’s taste (for example, you might decorate it with bunnies, rainbows, characters, etc.)
• It clearly states your child’s goals using keywords or pictograms
• It displays your child’s progress (for each day, for each test, etc.)
• It shows the reward
• Etc.

 

About Alloprof Parents
Alloprof Parents was created to provide parents with support at every stage of their children’s education. The organization’s website includes articles, blog posts, videos and printable materials on a wide range of topics, such as homework help, academic difficulties, healthy lifestyle habits and educational activities.  
 
Alloprof Parents also operates a phone line so that parents can talk to professionals, including special education teachers, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Their team can also answer questions by email or private chat on the Alloprof Parents Facebook page during the same evening hours. 
 
Parents who want to receive age-appropriate tips on how to help their kids can subscribe to the Alloprof Parents newsletter or follow their Facebook page.

 

Website: https://www.alloprof.qc.ca/en/parents
Written by: The Alloprof Parents Team