How to Reward Children’s Brilliance

Kids are brilliant creatures – so creative and inquisitive and yet, we as adults find ourselves learning almost as much from them as they do us.

Life as a parent present many challenges…many, many challenges…but bringing up a child is the most rewarding thing you could ever hope to do. Their achievements are your achievements, and rewarding children when they have done something awesome is a must.

Whether it’s recognising when they have gone above and beyond at home or at school with a toy, activity, or star trophy, positive reinforcement encourages children to keep striving for more. Here, we have compiled some brilliant ways to reward your children’s brilliance – not all of which will cost you a penny.

Sticker Chart

Want to encourage your kids to keep being the superstars you know they are at home? Reward them by adding a sticker to a chart, visible in the home, when they complete a task or just for being extra good.

Motivate your kids by setting targets, such as 10 stickers earns them an extra hour of screen time or a trip to the park. As we say, not everything has to cost money! If you do have the means to set a prize such as a day out or a new toy, then make sure it’s something they must work hard to earn!

Favourite Meal

Depending on how fussy your little ones are, this could be a fantastic reward. If they come back with a glowing report from school, or have done anything else that deserves recognition, treating them to their favourite meal – or letting them pick (within reason) – what the family eats one evening.

Not only does this recognise your child for the superstar they are, but it also gives them ownership over their reward. They get to choose, which should mean they will be delighted with their treat…as well as avoiding any nasty surprises in the case of fussy eaters!

Just Say Yes

Just say yes! Whatever it is the kids want to do (again within reason), just say yes! Do they want to paint? Yes! Go to the park? Yes! Watch their favourite Disney film on repeat…yes!

Like the previous idea, this gives children the opportunity to decide for themselves. If you don’t want to give a completely bare canvas, then present two or three choices and go with whichever they choose.

On the Fridge

Show off their work! For generations, anything to be proud of such as a beautiful drawing, a good grade or report has been given pride of place on the fridge!

If you don’t have space on the fridge, because of all those drawings already adorning it, then consider other places you don’t mind utilising to show off your children’s achievements. A pinboard in the living room or kitchen makes for a fine alternative as it frees up the fridge and, like magnets, pins can be reused, and paper can be safely stored away in a memory box to keep when it comes down.

These are just some of the ideas you can use to reward your kids for being brilliant, and not always with the need for splashing out! You know your children best and whatever it is that makes them great, reward and celebrate it!

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.