10 Non-Toy Rewards that your Kids will Love
As a team of teachers at Peake Academy, we know that motivating children to maintain good behavior is key to their success. That's why we've discovered that non-toy rewards are not only effective but can also provide an amazing sense of accomplishment and recognition for the little ones. From special experiences and privileges to items, these 10 non-toy rewards are sure to bring a smile to your child's face without breaking the bank or cluttering up the house. So read on for some great ideas that you can start using today.
Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is a great non-toy reward for children because it encourages them to engage in activities and behaviors that enhance their sense of self-worth. Intrinsic motivation comes from within and relies on individual interests and values as opposed to external rewards such as toys, money, or prizes.
It is an effective way to encourage your child to engage in activities such as reading, creative pursuits, and problem-solving, that can provide lasting value. From a simple “well done” or “good job” when they do something right, to longer-term projects such as helping with the garden or cooking dinner, rewarding your child with intrinsic motivation will help them to develop a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Put It on Display
If your child has achieved something special, reward them by displaying their accomplishment for the world to see. Whether it’s a poster of an art project in their bedroom or a certificate displayed on the refrigerator, showcasing your child’s success can be a powerful non-toy reward that stimulates further learning and growth.
Use A Cotton Ball Jar As A Reward System
This is a great way to reward your child with something they can see and touch. Start by setting up a cotton ball jar, like you would use for crafts, in your child’s bedroom or playroom. Then designate a goal and tell them that if they reach it, they will get to add one cotton ball to the jar as an additional reward.
You can also use this system as a behavior management tool by removing cotton balls from the jar when they misbehave. This visual representation of their progress provides positive reinforcement whenever they behave well, but also serves as a reminder of what happens when they don’t meet expectations.
An Outing
Sometimes the best reward for your child is just spending quality time with a parent. Take your child out for lunch, take them to a movie or even just hang around the house and play board games. This kind of special one-on-one time will let your child know how much you appreciate their good behavior and can be a great way to bond with them in an environment that’s free from distractions.
Pick a Puzzle to Complete
Puzzles are a great way to reward your child with something fun while also teaching them important problem-solving skills. Puzzles can range from simple jigsaw puzzles for younger kids to more challenging brain teasers for older children. Plus, working on the puzzle together can create shared memories that will last far beyond the time it takes to complete the task.
Make Something Together
Making something together is an excellent way to reward your child while also teaching them valuable skills. From building a birdhouse to crafting a special keepsake, these types of activities will create enjoyable experiences and help foster creativity in your child. Plus, they can have fun playing with the finished project!
Use a Sticker Chart to Pick a New Activity
If you’re looking for a way to reward your child while also introducing them to new activities, consider using a sticker chart. Set up the chart with different activities or tasks and allow your child to pick one each time they get five stickers. This could include anything from participating in sports or music lessons, joining a club, going on a scavenger hunt, or even just reading a book.
“Bucket List” Jar
This is another great way to reward your child without relying on expensive toys or prizes. Set up a “bucket list” jar and fill it with slips of paper containing different activities such as visiting the zoo, having a picnic in the park, or going on a hike. Every time your child completes one of these activities, they can add another slip of paper to the jar for their next adventure.
Pajama Day
Sometimes the best reward your child can get is just a day off. Set aside one day of the week to be “Pajama Day” where no chores or errands have to be accomplished and your child can relax in their PJs all day. This will give them an opportunity to recharge and enjoy some quality family time without having any responsibilities hanging over their head.
Bonus Screen Time
This one might not be the healthiest option, but it’s certainly a popular one. Let your child know that if they show good behavior, they will receive extra screen time as a reward. This could either take place immediately or accumulate over the course of a few weeks so that they can look forward to something bigger down the line.
Visit An Animal Shelter
Visiting an animal shelter with your child can be a great way to teach them about compassion and responsibility while also rewarding them for their good behavior. Let your child pick out a pet, or if that’s not feasible, allow them to spend some quality time playing with the animals at the shelter. It’s sure to be a reward that your child won’t forget anytime soon.
Move Bedtime Back By 30 Minutes
Sometimes the best reward is something that doesn’t cost a thing. For older kids, consider pushing back their bedtime by half an hour or even an entire hour as a reward for good behavior. This will give your child some extra time to enjoy activities they love before calling it a night.
Dinner Time
Surprise your child with something special at dinner time. This could be anything from a favorite dessert to their favorite meal or even a homemade pizza. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – just let your child know that you appreciate them and the effort they’re putting in, and it will make all the difference.
Have A Bonfire
This is a great way to reward your child while also enjoying some quality time together. Have a bonfire in the backyard and roast marshmallows as you watch the stars come out. This will give your child something special to look forward to and create lasting memories for years to come.
Find A Local Event
Look for local events in your area that your child will enjoy and reward them with a special outing. This could be anything from a museum exhibit, a concert or play, or even an outdoor movie screening. This is a great way to let your child explore new places while also giving them something fun to look forward to.
Rewarding your child doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. From sticker charts and “bucket list” jars to bonus screen time, pajama days, animal shelter visits, moved bedtimes, special dinners, and bonfires – there are so many ways for you to show your appreciation for their hard work without breaking the bank. With a little creativity and effort on your part, you can create lasting memories that will stay with them long after they receive their reward.
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