The Reward Chain

The reward chain is a way of parenting in a positive manner. As a parent of four and a past kindergarten teacher I was always trying to find a way to discipline in positive way. I have found that children respond to positive reinforcement much better than they do to negative interaction.

I started giving my children a “link or ring” for every helpful thing that they did for themselves or others. They then hang the ring on their door frame to be made in to a reward chain. As soon as their chain reaches the floor they in return receive a pre determined reward. My daughter (7) choose to have a sleepover, my son( and daughter (5) choose to go to a local arcade.

My son started his next chain receiving links for going to bed on time and getting his homework done. My five year old is now getting rings for dry pull-ups at night. There are so many different options for earning rings. Some of which are potty training, good grades, listening, bravery, cooperation, exercise, meal time, doing chores, and even helping sick children take their medication or receiving treatments. The possibilities are endless.

To start you and your child set a goal and then your child can start earning their rings. Starting to parent positively is as easy as that. I believe that you will find this to be an incredible behavioral tool to use in your home to make it a more peaceful and positive place to growup.