Reward ideas that aren't sweets or toys
Rewards don't need to be bought. The ones children remember most are often time with you, a special choice or a small bit of being in charge.
Time together
- An extra bedtime story
- Baking something together
- A board game of their choice
- Ten minutes of one-to-one time, phones away
- Building a den in the living room
- A walk or bike ride, just the two of you
- Doing a puzzle together
- Teaching you a game they love
Choices and being in charge
- Choosing what's for tea
- Picking the family film
- Choosing the music in the car
- Deciding the weekend activity
- Being the grown-up's helper for the day
- Choosing which pyjamas everyone wears
- Picking the bedtime story for everyone
Outings
- A trip to the park or playground
- A visit to the library to choose books
- Feeding the ducks (peas or oats, not bread)
- A picnic, even in the garden
- A trip to the beach or woods
- Visiting grandparents or a favourite friend
- A swim
Small treats that aren't food
- Staying up fifteen minutes later
- A bath with bubbles or bath crayons
- Breakfast in pyjamas on the sofa
- A torch-lit story
- A camp-out in the living room
- Face painting
- Wearing fancy dress for the day
- A sticker or stamp for their book
Mix big rewards with little ones
A big reward at the end of a long chart works best with small ones along the way. Try a little reward every few days and a bigger one, such as a trip to the woods or the beach, at the end.
A reward chart that feels like an adventure
Pablo & Poppy turns your child's missions into steps along an illustrated trail, with badges on the way and a reward you choose together waiting at the end. It works on your phone or tablet, even offline.
