Proof that Summer Can Be Rewarding

How have you coped with the kids this summer? Have you kept them entertained without tears and tantrums? Were rewards an effective method in encouraging good behaviour? And what will help with the dreaded back-to-school routine?

Having helped countless families keep their kids’ behaviour in check with their magnetic and fabric reward charts, Fiesta Crafts has unearthed some fascinating insights into modern parenting with its recent summer survey for childrens’ behaviour.

(Results summary below).

Bad behaviour in our offspring is a major cause of stress for parents. Unsurprisingly the survey highlighted “not listening” and “nagging for attention” as the most common complaints for parents. So what’s the best way to deal with this?

“My eldest (7yr old boy) has a terrible habit of either ignoring my requests or replying with attitude and defiance. I started rewarding him with a "credit" on his chart each time he responds/obeys straight away. There has been a definite improvement.”

In fact, the majority of parents in the survey find reward charts very useful in improving behaviour for a limited period, especially with younger children. They work for a variety of reasons, but put simply, children enjoy them, they are easy to understand and very motivational.

“Using reward charts, my son has understood behaviours that are acceptable, and not acceptable, and by being rewarded for the good things he does (often spontaneous reward when he's not badgering me for a reward!), he is a happier child.”

Of course choosing a reward is the fun part and should be done with the child. They say the best things in life are free and tellingly, our parents don’t necessarily feel the need to resort to treats such as money, sweets and chocolates. Simple pleasures such as spending time with family or going to the park are more effective.

“As a grandparent offering to take them to the park or do some activity like drawing, painting or cooking works every time to stop an incident of them acting up or doing something naughty just to attract your attention.”

Rob Trup, Marketing Manager at Fiesta Crafts, summarises, "This survey clearly shows  the importance of rewarding good behaviour and that Reward Charts really do work. And the best news is that for the most effective rewards, parents don’t have to spend lots of money but just spend time with their children.”

For further information on Fiesta Crafts’ range of Reward Charts visit www.fiestacrafts.co.uk. The attached news release features Horrid Henry Reward Charts available from September 2010.

Survey: How do you Manage your Summer with the Kids?

Source: Survey Monkey

Sample: 75

Top 5 Bad Behaviours

1 - Don’t listen when asked to do something

2 - Badgering constantly for attention

3 – Need constant entertainment

4 - Arguing with siblings

5 – Shouting and screaming

Top 5 Rewards

1 – Spend time doing something with you (parents)

2 – Go out (park, playground..)

3 – Special day out

4 – Play dates with friends/family

5= Extra TV time/DVD

5= Sweets, crisps, chocs etc.

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