Rainbow Rocks Rewards

For a few months now, we’ve been using a simple positive reinforcement system with The Littlest Apple.  I felt like we were saying “No” and “Stop” and pointing out all of the things The Littlest Apple does wrong (or, not to our liking, I should say) and not giving him the feedback he needs and deserves for the things he does right.

So, here’s our simple system: He earns “Rainbow Rocks” for various good deeds and things we want to encourage him in.  The Rainbow Rocks are put in a jar.  Once the jar is full, he earns a prize from the Treasure Box.

What can The Littlest Apple earn Rainbow Rocks for?  (You can tell by the list some of the areas we’ve been struggling with!)

• being a good listener
• being kind/sharing
• doing things (getting dressed, etc) without help
• doing things without complaining or arguing
• being helpful
• picking up toys
• using good manners
• having a good daily report from school
• handwriting practice
• help stetting the table and cleaning up after dinner
• going to the potty without being told

What prizes are in The Treasure Box?

Currently, it contains:

• Scooper/shovel for the sandbox
• Firetruck/construction/trash truck movie
• Water gun
• Bubble gun
• VeggieTales Jonah movie
• Binoculars
• Coupon for donuts with Dad
• Coupon for a cupcake from a local bakery
• Coupon for a trip to the ice cream shop

Other notes:

• The Rainbow Rocks are just multi-colored vase-filler rocks from Michael’s
• We don’t ever take rocks OUT of the jar for bad behavior (though it is tempting sometimes!!)
• We usually give The Littlest Apple a handful of rocks at a time
• Prizes are all $10 or less
• The Littlest Apple has been earning a prize every week or week and a half.  If this increases, the prize value will definitely decrease!