Ask what feels worth working towards
Useful rewards do not have to be expensive. Choosing a film, picking dessert, having extra game time or planning a family activity may matter more than something bought from a shop.
Keep the list small enough that children remember the choices. Change rewards when interests move on rather than leaving old goals in place simply because they were added first.
Parents should also choose rewards they can genuinely provide and explain clearly. A useful reward can be simple and need not cost money; what matters is that the child understands the goal and the parent is comfortable offering it within the family routine.
Quick questions
Should siblings always be offered exactly the same rewards?
No. Reward choices can reflect each child’s interests while still fitting the rules and circumstances of the household.
How many reward choices should parents begin with?
A small selection is usually easier for children to remember and easier for parents to keep realistic.
What if a reward stops motivating the child?
Parents can replace it with a more relevant choice instead of keeping an old reward that no longer suits the child or family.