Ways to Reward Your Tween Without Resorting to Bribery

In today's got it all world it is getting harder and harder as Parents to think of ways to show our Tweens a thank you. What some may call a reward. The first thing parents need to remember is to draw a line between reward and bribery. If you are not careful that line can get hazy. Remember the reward is meant as a thank you for a job well done, or an extra effort that was put forth, that you really appreciated. Regularly expected chores do not generally fit into this category.

Of course our children do not fit into predetermined boxes though, and as parents we need to be able to recognize and adjust methods to where our tween is currently at. So there may be exceptions to no rewards for regular chores. An example of one possibility that you may decide to make an exception to this case could be that your tween has consistently failed to keep their room clean. This is an expected chore, and has led to confrontations that frustrate you and cause unwanted friction between you and your tween. This can be any regular chore you expect them to take care of, not just cleaning their bedrooms. Do you find yourself constantly needing to remind them, or worse yet are dissatisfied with how the job is completed .

Have your tween pick out a calendar. If it is the room not being clean that is causing the friction make sure the calendar is cool enough to hang in their room. Be creative mom and dad, you can hang a calendar anywhere a regular chore is waiting. Set a date first of the month, fifteenth, what ever date works for you. Hang a pen on a string right next to it. Nice bright red markers are great. Tell your tween there will be a reward if they can make it through the chore one full month at a time without you reminding them or finding the job less than satisfactory, or doing it yourself. If feeding and watering the family dog is the chore, put a calendar by the dog . If taking out the trash is the thorn in your side put one there. Be firm. If they fail the first month don't be afraid to put that big old X on the day. When they finally manage to achieve the reward, you will have achieved something.

As far as the rewards themselves, even though tweens today, like teens would probably enjoy money it isn't the same as deserving a reward. Here are my top ten Tween Rewards. Ten being the ultimate.

1) A chore vacation day

2)Pick What's on The Menu for Dinner

3)Staying up later than normal

4)Going to the movies ( get to spend time together) or a pay per view at home

5)Invite a friend or two to eat out with you at a favorite restaurant

6)Trip to the music store for favorite CD ( Always popular)

7)A new clothing item of choice

8)Mall Trip

9)For girls trip to the hairstylist, boys off to sporting goods or video arcades

10) Go To A Concert Together.