3) Pick a reward system
Rewards to not need to be monetary. There can be a tangible reward at the end, giving your child something to work toward. Initial rewards can be stickers, check marks on a chart, or just a “good job.” Interim rewards can be: staying up late on the weekend or having a friend sleep over. Place a chart on the refrigerator in order to see progress. In the beginning, make sure your child attains goals. Compliment them on any progress, if they handed in one piece of homework but forgot the other, compliment them on handing in one and place a sticker on the chart. If they completed all their homework, place a sticker on the chart. No matter how small the successes, compliment them and reward them. As you continue, make the rewards a little less frequent.
4) Pick a consequence
Although a behavior modification program focuses on positive reinforcement, there must also be consequences. Make consequences appropriate for your child’s age. If you determine the consequences beforehand, you will be able to deliver them calmly. Consequences can be such things as: fifteen minutes early to bed, no television or no video games. Consequences should be as immediate as possible in order for your children to connect the action and the reaction. Time out is also an effective consequence but should be delivered without reaction. There should be no talking allowed when in time out.
Parents often complain that once they set up a behavioral program, certain behaviors become worse. This is actually typical. Children are accustomed to receiving a certain reaction from you and will attempt to get that reaction. It may take a while for them to understand that you are no longer going to become emotional, but are serious about the new system.
5) Be consistent
Being consistent is the key to making any behavior modification program work. The more consistent you are the better it will work. It is important to discuss what you are doing with caregivers and teachers to insure that everyone is working toward the same goal.
