The thinking behind the trail
Reward charts are one of the simplest ways to help young children build a new habit. Here's what the research and parenting guides say, and how Pablo & Poppy puts it into practice.
Small steps they can see
Reward charts usually work well for children aged about 3 to 8. A reward that comes straight after the thing you want to see more of makes it more likely to happen again, and a chart lets a young child see their progress building up.
On the trail: each mission you tick moves your child's explorer forward straight away, so they can see every step. Short, Standard and Long trails let you pick a goal that feels reachable, from about a week to about three weeks.
A reward you choose together
Parenting guides suggest setting up the chart with your child and letting them help choose the reward, so it's something they really want to work towards.
On the trail: the reward sits at the top where your child can always see it. Pick it together, and choose missions that are simple and clear, like "Brush your teeth" or "Put your shoes away".
Surprises, not bribes
In a well-known 1973 study, preschool children who already loved drawing were split into groups. Children who were promised a certificate for drawing later chose to draw less in free play. Children who got the same certificate as a surprise kept drawing just as much. Promising a prize for something a child already enjoys can make it feel like a job.
On the trail: the little extras along the way, like finds for the backpack and surprise games at some badges, are surprises rather than promised prizes. Keep the chart for new habits you're building, not for things your child already loves doing.
It isn't meant to be for ever
Rewards help while a habit forms, but children can slip back into old ways if a chart stops suddenly. A review of reward systems back in 1972 found the same thing: progress didn't always last once the rewards stopped, unless there was a plan for it. Guides suggest easing off after a few weeks, for example by spacing out the rewards, and to keep noticing and praising the habit as you go.
On the trail: each trail is a short adventure with an ending. When a mission just happens without a reminder, swap it for the next thing you're working on, keep up the praise, or take a break and come back for the next big change, like starting school.
What we leave out
- No streaks to lose and no countdowns, so a missed day never feels like failing.
- No reminders that nag your child, and no adverts.
- Only a grown-up can award points, behind your own PIN, so it stays fair.
Every child is different. If you're worried about your child's behaviour or development, talk to your health visitor or GP.
Where this comes from
- Lepper, M. R., Greene, D. and Nisbett, R. E. (1973). Undermining children's intrinsic interest with extrinsic reward. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 28(1), 129–137.
- Kazdin, A. E. and Bootzin, R. R. (1972). The token economy: an evaluative review. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5(3), 343–372.
- Raising Children Network. Reward charts for kids: how they work.
- Welsh Government, Parenting. Give it time. Top tips for using reward charts.
Links to other websites open in a new tab. We've summarised these in our own words.