Until they become self-motivated, rewards may help motivate them to behave and do well in school.

The good news is that the best rewards involve time, not money. Consider these, for example:

• Special one-on-one time with you.

• Getting to stay up late.

• Sleeping in one morning.

• Skipping a chore.

• Breakfast in bed.

• Having a friend over for dinner.

• Living room camp out.

• Backyard picnic.

• Feeding bread or scraps to birds or squirrels.

• Extra play time.

• Getting to choose a meal, homework time, bedtime, etc.

• A trip to somewhere your child wants to go (museum).

• Playing “parent” for a day.

• Cooking privileges.

• Going to mom’s or dad’s work.

• A special space in the house your child can call his own.

• Help with a chore or with learning a new task.

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