Using rewards is a
common parenting technique and one that can work quite well.
It is important
to remember to use rewards sparingly so that you don't train your child only to
do things when there is a reward. Many of the things you want to teach
your child are life lessons such as compassion, conscientiousness, generosity,
and faith-building. If you reward these things, you run the risk of destroying
their natural desire to do them.
Likewise, if we always
reward a child with a reward that they may like, but one that may not offer any
other benefits, we are missing the opportunity to do more. For instance,
rewarding a child with video game time gives them only passive
entertainment.
Consider some of these
options of things to do with you that provide a reward and also some
physical or social-emotional health benefits:
1. Baking
2. Reading a book
3. Playing a game
outside
4. Completing a puzzle
5. Attending a play
6. Building, sewing,
or creating something
7. Doing something
kind for a neighbor
8. Contacting a grandparent for a visit
9. Surprising a parent or sibling with a note they will find later.
10. Creating something to give to friends
When we interact with
our children, we improve their language, emotional regulation, and social
skills. We also have the opportunity to share our faith. These small
interactions will build a strong relationship with our child that will reap
benefits long after the video game has been forgotten.
Weary Joy: The Caregiver’s
Journey
Concordia Publishing House
Available September 24, 2019
Words of humor,
encouragement, and faith for those who care for a loved one.
