When kids are rewarded with things, they may develop a longing for more things. No, I’m not a psychologist, or even a parent, but I’ve seen this happen several times. Plus, I was once a kid. : )

Children can learn to associate happiness with gifts and treats that are usually made of plastic and might require batteries. And worse, this habit of rewarding with toys teaches excessive consumerism. Yes, kids need toys, but maybe not as often as they get them.

Successes, such as doing better in school or overcoming a problem behavior, should be celebrated. Yet, it’s also desirable to avoid “buying” your kid’s behavior. Doing what’s expected just because should be the goal. Yes, I know that is probably a very difficult thing to accomplish!

Here are some alternatives to toys as rewards:

•Extend the bedtime by 30 minutes for one night.

•Grant a day off from regular chores.

•Allow a friend to spend the night or let your child spend the night with a friend.

•Indulge with a special activity like skating, camping, bowling or visiting the zoo.

•Read an extra bedtime story.

•Help your child choose a toy for a child who doesn’t have toys, and donate through a local charity. This activity may be a little too tempting, but it does teach moderation and a charitable attitude.

•Serve a favorite dinner, snack or dessert. (With the growing childhood obesity problem, use this reward very sparingly. Avoiding fast-food meals that come with toys would be wise as well.)

•Ask your child to pick a reward. You might be surprised.

If you hold off rewarding with toys, birthdays and other gift-giving holidays will seem more unique, and the toy chest may not overflow with abandoned toys that didn’t hold interest.

How do you reward your child? Do you have any toy alternatives to add?

Bowling photo credit from flickr.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family