I’m trying to set up some kind of reward system for my kids to encourage good behavior instead of always focusing on what they do wrong. Has anyone had success with charts, point systems, or other approaches? My kids are 6 and 9 if that matters. Looking for practical ideas that actually work without being too complicated to maintain.
We’ve tried various methods, and I’ve found that changing up rewards works best. Some days, my child can earn extra screen time, while other times, they might choose dinner or stay up a bit later. It surprised me how much more excited they get about non-material rewards compared to toys. That dinner choice has really had a positive impact on our routine.
We tried a marble jar and it was awesome. Kids got a marble every time they helped without being asked, shared nicely, or tried something new. Full jar meant movie night or baking cookies together. They loved watching their progress pile up, and my younger kid was obsessed with the marble-dropping sound. Best part? After a few months, they started helping just because it felt good, not for the reward. We still pull out the jar occasionally, but now they’re way better at feeling proud without needing the visual proof.
We did a point system that worked great. Kids earned points all week, then had shopping day on Sundays to spend them. I made a simple menu - pick the family movie (5 points), have a friend over (15 points), choose breakfast (3 points). My younger kid loved the small instant rewards, while my older one saved up for bigger stuff. Best part was watching them decide what mattered most. Some weeks they’d blow everything on little things, other weeks they’d save strategically. I tracked it on a basic chart on the fridge - nothing fancy. They earned points for getting ready without nagging, being nice to each other, helping out. System lasted about a year before the good habits just stuck. Now they’re teenagers and we barely need any formal system! 
Love hearing about systems that actually work! We just started a simple sticker chart for my 5-year-old, but I’m thinking points might be better since they’re more flexible. Think 5 is too young to understand saving points vs. spending them right away? My kid gets crazy excited about immediate rewards, so I’m worried they won’t get the whole ‘wait for something bigger’ thing.
Sticker charts worked really well for us. We kept it simple: good behavior earns a sticker, and after five stickers, they choose our weekend plans. They loved experiences more than stuff.