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Of course, you want your child to experience that internal sense of satisfaction of a job well done. That is a feeling money cannot buy. But for the tougher skills and for our more challenging loved ones, concrete rewards are appropriate and valuable as motivational tools.

I have heard parents and teachers lament, “This behavior mod stuff does not work!” Well, chances are, they just need to have a closer look at the reward component of their behavior change program. Here are six key questions to help you design and refine your child’s reward system:

1. Did you design a tracking system that is easy to implement, for both you and your child? Your child needs to have a way to visually monitor his progress and predict when a reward will happen. Your tracking system can be in the traditional form of a chart or check list. For some kids, paper systems are not particularly exciting or can even be confusing. Your child might better enjoy a tactile approach, where he gets to hold and handle objects that he accumulates towards a reward. He can drop a penny into a jar for each positive action. Or string together buttons, paper clips or beads and watch the strand grow. You can hand your child one card from a deck, each time you see the wanted behavior.

2. Is your reward plan in balance with the two other key ingredients of a behavior change program? You need to set out clear expectations [goals] and the consequences [natural outcomes] that influence when and if the rewards are coming. When you offer rewards without those other two components, you and your child are trying to finish a puzzle with two thirds of the pieces missing.

3. Did you involve your child in choosing the rewards to be earned? Participating in all the good things that will happen is a great motivator. Letting your child in on the ground floor gives self-esteem building messages. You are saying, “You are a partner in all parts of this program and I want to hear what is important to you." and "I trust you to stick to the decisions you commit to.” Kids with special needs diagnoses such as Autism, Asperger Syndrome and ADHD need rewards that are designed according to their special interests or unique ways of being motivated.

4. Do you have a 'miscellaneous' category in your behavior program? This will give you a catch-all place to give your child reward credit when you see an unanticipated, outstanding action or effort.

5. Do you reward reliably? Choose rewards that you can deliver on time. We would not like to wait for our paycheck because our employer didn’t make a bank deposit. Be prepared to pay up when the reward is earned. If the reward is something that requires planning, such as an outing to a favorite place, give immediate reinforcement by setting the date with your child - and be sure to follow through!

6. Are your rewards realistic in size? Rewards do not have to be big. The important thing is that they are 'do-able' for you. Don’t overlook time as a reward – one-to-one with mom or an outing with dad.

For more tips and tools to work with rewards in your behavior change program, see companion articles:

Social Skills and Rewards: Five Tips for Tailoring your Behavior Change System to a Perfect Fit for your Child

Social Skills and Your Behavior Change Program: Troubleshooting When the Rewards Aren't Working

Article Keywords: Special Education

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Special Education... Special Education and Children in Poverty My article is based on my own personal experience as a social worker on the child study team. In addition, it is based on training that I have received from public schools. I could show any parent the tricks of the trade, and how to get what they want and need for their child. I am writing this article because I want disadvantaged people to become advocates for them. When working with your school district, make sure you get second opinions on your child’s performance and or disability. You may have to pay for such services, however you may save your child from being an academic failure. Just because large words and numbers are thrown in your face, don’t give in immediately. Consult others, such as your child's pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist or psychologist. For example if your child has attention deficit may be all you need to do is get a prescription from the child's pediatrician. There are many medications available. Some popular one are concerta, aderal, and ridlin, the list goes on. It could that a simple pill once or twice a day may cure all of your child's academic issues. When using this approach, ensure a full month has taken place before assuming the medication is a failure or a cure. Also don't forget to go with your own instinct. Last of all ensure you have exhausted all measures helping your child before signing a document that legally states your child is disabled. Calvina Mitchell ...