Your children have finished their chores for the week, completed all their homework, passed their math test and been well-behaved for the visit to their grandparents. (OK, so a mom can dream, can’t she?) They deserve a reward. Perhaps you are a well-organized family with a planned out “chores and reward schedule” already in place, or you reward your children when you feel they deserve it? Either way, what do you reward them with? What do other parents reward their children with?
It’s easy to turn to material things – money, toys, time playing your favorite Nintendo game or time watching TV. Perhaps you want to mix things up a bit and add to your portfolio of rewards? What else would your children cherish?
Your time.
This isn’t rocket science and I can’t profess to be bringing you something earth shattering. Sometimes, though, we need to take a step back and remind ourselves that it’s the simple things in life that can bring the biggest pleasures.
Here are some ideas I have for rewarding your child with your time. It goes without saying, you know best what activities your child enjoys and would value most from you, so consider this a shopping list of ideas. Please feel free to add your “time” activities with your children to make this post even more useful.
Rewarding your child with time in the kitchen
Get ready for some messy time. There’s nothing like rolling up your sleeves, getting your fingers in the dough and licking the bowl once your creation is rising in the oven. Also, consider making your child’s favorite meal together. One of our favorites is pizza and we cheat on the pizza base, which we buy from the store. This gives us more time to concentrate on the all-important toppings.
Get outside for some rewarding time together
Bring a soccer ball, baseball or Frisbee and get out to your local park. Bring a snack for halftime and then get right back at it. Have you tried Frisbee golf? Perhaps a local park has one set up for you to try. Or grab your bikes for a trip on your local bike trails.
Plan a special occasion to reward your child
We live in a city, probably not unlike yours, with a great science museum, planetarium and art museum. Your child will probably have a favorite among these. Perhaps keep an eye out for special exhibits or activities to include in your special “rewards arsenal”.
Get artistic to reward your child
Getting artistic doesn’t mean having to hit up the local arts store for expensive supplies. How about a trip to the local park to pick leaves and sticks for creative art installations? How about rummaging through your recycling box for some inspiration? I have to admit, though, that the occasional trip to Michael’s arts and crafts is a real treat for both my daughter and I.
Step out of your comfort zone rewards for you and your child
Try something new, something neither of you have tried before. Depending on how adventurous you want to get (and I’m not suggesting skydiving), try on a new sport, such as skating (ice or inline), or a new adventure, such as zip-lining or tree trekking. Obviously these activities are dependent on local resources and your comfort zone.
Rainy day reward activities
OK, so the rain kyboshed your original plans, so it’s time for plan B. Make some hot chocolate (marshmallows is a must in our household) and bring out your favorite board games, puzzles or arts and crafts activities for some cozy at home family activities.
Please continue this brainstorm with your own ideas in the comments box below.
