| Parents always like to see their kids succeed, | | | | example, Robosapien models are available in several |
| whether it’s in school, sports, or just completing | | | | varieties. Or if your child wants to build their own |
| tasks that teach responsibility, such as chores. And | | | | robot, Lego has a Mindstorm kit that will really make |
| often, if the completion of the task itself isn’t | | | | them think and be a lot of fun. Or, you could go with |
| enough of a reward, parents will provide an added | | | | a more classic toy, like Simon. |
| incentive. Giving kids something that they want in | | | | <b>Plush Animals</b> |
| reward for their success is often a great motivator. | | | | This old favorite has gotten even better as plush |
| We just have to make sure we avoid rewarding | | | | toys have gotten even more realistic. Always a great |
| them with things that aren’t appropriate, such as | | | | companion, they can also stimulate a child’s |
| music with parental advisories, violent movies or | | | | curiosity about the natural world. Do you remember |
| videogames, or even candy (as too much of this can | | | | your favorite stuffed animal as a child? Chances are |
| lead to health problems). To help you choose the | | | | you wanted to find out more about real bears, |
| right reward, we have compiled a list of some | | | | rabbits, or dogs. Plus, plushies are very nonviolent and |
| exciting, yet reasonable, rewards for your child’s | | | | safe, and we don’t ever really grow out of |
| accomplishments. | | | | them. Even as they get older, the toys can be used |
| <b>Age-appropriate books</b> | | | | to decorate a bedroom or college dorm. |
| This reward is a great way to set your child up for | | | | <b>Games</b> |
| even more success later on. Reading helps children | | | | Classic games like Risk, Battleship, chess, Life, or any |
| learn grammar and vocabulary, and exposes them to | | | | number of card games can help develop social skills, |
| new ideas and information. The National Education | | | | plus there lots of fun and a great thing to do with |
| Association has compiled a great list of the best | | | | friends or family. And depending on ages, there’s |
| children’s books, and this age-appropriate list is | | | | all sorts of choices. For example, the Settlers of |
| available online. Some favorites include the very | | | | Catan is a great board games for older children. Or if |
| popular Harry Potter series, the Narnia books by C.S. | | | | your child loves video games, there are options that |
| Lewis, the Redwall series by Brian Jacques, The | | | | don’t contribute to their couch potato-ism. The |
| Giving Tree and Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel | | | | Nintendo Wii has games that encourage physical |
| Silverstein, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. | | | | movement and exercise. |
| There are many good books that your children will | | | | <b>Art Supplies</b> |
| love out there. | | | | Who doesn’t want to encourage artistic skills in |
| <b>Building Materials</b> | | | | their children? Things like crayons, magic markers, and |
| If you want your child to be a creative, and | | | | lots of paper are a great reward for a child who |
| someday be an engineer or an architect, this would | | | | completes their chores. Paint is also a great option, |
| be yet another reward that could serve double duty | | | | just make sure that if the child is young the paint is |
| as an educational toy. Classic toys like Tinkertoys, | | | | water-soluble because it’s easy to get it on |
| Lincoln Logs, Play-Doh, Lite Bright, Legos or erector | | | | clothes. |
| sets are all good toys that help build ideas and | | | | So there you go. There are many ideas beyond |
| imagination. | | | | violent video games and non-educational movies. |
| <b>Tech Toys</b> | | | | Remember, positive reinforcement usually contributes |
| If you want to take a step up from the more classic | | | | to a happier home life than punishments, so these |
| building toys, tech toys are the way to go. With | | | | age appropriate rewards can really encourage |
| advances in computers and robotic technology, there | | | | success! |
| are some fun and educational sets out there. For | | | | |