Parenting Tool: Implementing Point System

Implementing a point system encourages positive behaviour and can be an effective parenting tool to add to your existing toolbox. This tool would be for the age range of 3/3.5 years to 12 years old. Here are the four steps to implement this tool for your child:
1. Decide on the behaviour or behaviours you want to encourage in your child. Better to start with one to three until you and your child become more comfortable with the point system
2. Decide on the point(s) you will give to your child for the behaviour(s). You may give a half point, full point or a certain number of points for the desired behaviour (e.g. kind gesture to sibling, helping clean up, brushing teeth, eating all their vegetables). 
3. Decide on what the child achieves with the points. If your child has screen time then your child can earn points to have their screen time. For example the recommended screen time is 2 hours per day, if the child earns 12 points, each point equates to 10 minutes and thus adds up to 120 minutes or 2 hours of screen time. If you have different rules for your child's screen time whether less time or only on weekends then adjust accordingly. If your child does not have any screen time then find something your child can work towards to earn that day that is meaningful for them. 
4. Look and observe for the behaviour(s) in your child and tell them the point(s) they have earned. You can say "I really liked how you brushed your teeth when I asked the first time, I give you one point, you now have ____points." You can even encourage your child to notice when they achieve the behaviour and share with you.