I’m trying to be more consistent with positive reinforcement for my kids, but I’m not sure how to fit it into our busy days. Does anyone have tips for working small activities or rewards into regular routines? Looking for ideas that are quick and easy to implement. Thanks!
We use a quick thumbs up system. Kids get a thumbs up for good stuff throughout the day. No big deal, just a small gesture.
At dinner, we go around and share one thing we’re proud of. Takes a minute, but the kids look forward to it.
Keeping it simple works best for us.
I’m still figuring out positive reinforcement with my 5-year-old. We started a bedtime routine where we talk about one good thing they did that day. It’s simple but they seem to enjoy it.
During the day, I try to notice when they help out, even with small things. But sometimes I forget or get busy.
I’m curious how other parents keep it up consistently. Do you use any apps or visual reminders? And how do you balance praise with teaching them to do things without always expecting recognition?
It feels like a learning process for both of us. What worked best when your kids were around this age?
Hey there! I remember how tricky it was to fit positive reinforcement into our hectic days. One thing that worked well was our ‘high five moments.’ Any time the kids finished a task or were helpful, we’d do a quick high five. It was fast, fun, and the kids loved it.
We also had a ‘caught being good’ jar. When we noticed good behavior, we’d pop a small note in the jar. Once a week, we’d read them out during dinner. It became a nice family tradition and didn’t take much time.
For my younger one, we used a simple star chart on the fridge. Each star earned a few minutes of extra playtime before bed. My teenager preferred verbal praise, especially when I noticed small efforts like putting dishes in the dishwasher without being asked.
It took some time to make these habits stick, but now they’re just part of our day. The key was finding what fit naturally into our routines. 
I’ve found that adding little moments of praise and encouragement throughout our day works really well. During breakfast, I might say how nicely they’re sitting or eating. While getting ready for school, I notice when they pack their bags without prompting.
After school, we have a quick chat about one good thing that happened during the day. At bedtime, we reflect on something they did well. These small moments don’t take much time but really add up.
For bigger tasks, we use a sticker chart. When it fills up, they get to choose a fun family activity. It has become part of our routine in a way that the kids really enjoy.
As a parent of an 11-year-old, I’ve found that turning daily tasks into mini-games works well for us. We have a ‘beat the clock’ challenge for tidying up, where my kid tries to finish before a timer goes off. For homework, we use a point system where completing assignments earns points towards a small reward.
I also try to sprinkle in verbal praise throughout the day for things like remembering to put shoes away or helping set the table without being asked. It’s not perfect, but these little tweaks have made our routines more positive overall.