Rewards that Actually Motivate Kids
If your kids are like mine, they sometimes need an extra incentive or motivation to achieve their absolute best. Remember when you were a kiddo, and the sheer joy of getting a gold star sticker made you feel like the king or queen of the universe? Fast forward to today, and it seems like our little munchkins require a tad more than a shiny sticker to get motivated (although, between you and me, I still get a kick out of those stickers!). But fear not! You won’t have to break the bank or rely solely on digital delights as rewards that motivate kids, as you will see below.
The simplest rewards that motivate kids are toys
Okay, okay. We simply just had to start with toys because, let’s face it, they’re a universal kiddo favorite. But here’s the twist: go for educational toys or kits that will teach them something as well as being fun; of course, buying them the occasional LOL Surprise doll or LEGO kit for their collection when they have worked really hard is a good idea, but puzzles, science experiments, or DIY craft kits should be their main sources of toy-based inspiration and motivation.
Book Bonanza
A trip to the local bookstore (or even the library) can be a thrilling adventure where they get to choose an exciting new book and travel to distant lands in their minds. And, of course, it will help to improve their literacy too, so it is the perfect reward activity in many ways.
Culinary Creations
Why not whisk your child into the kitchen and let them play chef for a day? Whether it’s baking muffins or making homemade pizza, they will positively relish being in charge, not only of what you eat, but actually making it too, and of course, it will teach them how to cook and be more self-sufficient as they get older too. A valuable skill, I’m sure you will agree!
Nature’s Nook
Plan an outdoor escapade when they have aced a test or need some encouragement on their next science project. This could be a trip to the zoo, a day at the botanical gardens, or even a simple picnic in your backyard – whatever excites them about the world around them. Nothing says ‘great job’ like a breath of fresh air and a change of scenery, especially if you bring along a picnic with all of their favorite foods!
Artistic License
Stock up on some art supplies and let your child’s creativity flow free ( be prepared for a mess). They can paint, sculpt, or even dive into some DIY crafts, and they’ll be sure to have a great time doing so. And hey, you might discover you have a mini Picasso on your hands!
A Day of Choices
This one’s golden. Let your child be the ‘Boss’ for a day. This might sound like a nightmare come true, but it can be a good way for them to learn how to be fair while also giving them some agency as they get to choose the meals, the activities, and even the bedtime story for the day.
Remember, it’s not just about the rewards themselves but the experiences they foster and the lessons they carry. Through these avenues, we nurture their curiosity, teach them the art of patience and persistence, and show them the joy of learning and self-expression. So, let’s continue to paint the canvas of their childhood with memories of adventure, learning, and unconditional love.
In the grand tapestry of motherhood, these moments become stitches that bind hearts, reminding us that the path to motivating and inspiring our mini-mes is also a path of self-discovery and shared growth. So, embrace these opportunities, fuel their passions, and relish in the knowledge that your role as a mother is sowing the seeds of a bright future. With every choice you make, every adventure you embark upon, and every creative journey you encourage, you are nurturing their minds and spirits, making every step of this journey truly rewarding.
Did I miss any rewards for children that your kids love? Let me know in the comments.
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