Rewards for our children

01 January 2024

Rewards are commonly used to motivate children to achieve goals. However, their use has both advantages and disadvantages, which need to be considered when using them.

► From a medical perspective, rewards can be beneficial in motivating children to adopt healthy habits. For example, offering a reward for drinking enough water or for regular physical activity can help to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent certain diseases.

► From an educational perspective, rewards can be used to encourage children to learn new things and achieve academic goals. For example, offering a reward for doing well on an exam or for completing a school project can help motivate the child to work hard and apply themselves.

However, it is important to note that rewards should not be abused or overused, as they can have negative effects on the child. For example, if rewards are used too frequently, they can become expected and lose their motivational value. In addition, excessive use of rewards can lead to dependency and a lack of intrinsic motivation in the child, which can be detrimental to their long-term development.

► From a psychological perspective, it is important to consider the impact of rewards on the child's self-esteem and self-confidence. If rewards are used in a way that builds the child's self-esteem and confidence, they can be beneficial. However, if they are used in a way that emphasises failure or criticises the child, they can have a negative impact on the child's self-esteem and self-confidence.
 

The use of rewards can therefore be beneficial in motivating children to adopt healthy lifestyles and achieve academic goals. However, it is important to be careful not to overdo it and to consider the impact of rewards on the child's self-esteem and self-confidence. It is recommended that rewards be given in a reasonable manner and used as a means of enhancing the child's intrinsic motivation rather than relying exclusively on external rewards.

It is also important to diversify the types of rewards used in order to maintain the child's interest and not to fall into a routine where rewards lose their value. Rewards can take different forms, such as verbal praise, hugs, fun activities or symbolic prizes. It is also important to take into account the child's preferences and interests when choosing rewards.

the use of rewards can be beneficial in motivating children to adopt healthy lifestyles and achieve learning goals, but it is important to be careful not to overuse them and to take into account the impact on the child's self-esteem and confidence. It is recommended that the types of rewards used are varied and that the child's preferences and interests are taken into account when choosing them.

 

MyNursery 2022