How to Use a Token Reward System With Kids

A token reward system can reinforce positive behaviors.

A token reward system is an easy form of positive reinforcement that may help improve your child's behavior. Kids can earn tokens for good behavior and spend them on rewards.

Things You'll Need

• Tokens
• Container for tokens

Instructions

1. Decide what you will use as your tokens. You can make your own tokens or use poker chips or some other type of purchased tokens. If you have several children, use a different-colored token for each child.

2. Find a token container for each child. You can use a box, jar or other container that will hold the tokens. Allow each child to decorate his token container for a personal touch.

3. Determine the target behaviors that a child has to demonstrate to earn a token. For example, she could earn a token for putting away her toys without being asked.

4. Create a list of rewards that may be "purchased" with the tokens. They could include small toys, extra TV or computer time, a trip to the ice cream shop or anything else that will motivate your child. Next to each reward, write the number of tokens it will cost. Keep the list handy so your children can easily see the rewards and their associated cost.

5. Decide how the tokens may be redeemed. Will you allow the children to redeem them at any time? Will they only be allowed to redeem the tokens on a certain day of the week?

6. Explain to your children how the token system works. Explain how they earn tokens and how they can spend them.

7. Start using the token system. Make sure to tell your child why she earned each token so you reinforce that behavior.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the tokens out of reach of the kids so they're not tempted to sneak extra tokens.

References

• Educate Autism; Token Economy; Gavin Cosgrave