Kids routines
Reward chart for kids: how to make one and what rewards to use
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In this guide (10 parts)
A reward chart tracks one or two routines or behaviors with a sticker or tick each time they happen, and leads to a small, agreed reward. Keep the goal reachable in a few days, describe the behavior in plain words, and never take stickers away.
Practical tips for home routines, not medical or behavioral advice. Results vary from child to child.
It is part of our kids routines guide. For a chart of household jobs without rewards, see the chore chart guide.
How to make a reward chart
- Pick one or two targets. “Get dressed before breakfast”, not “be good”.
- Write them in your child’s words, with a picture for younger kids.
- Choose the mark: sticker, stamp, tick, or a coloring space.
- Set a near goal: for example 5 stickers, not 30.
- Agree on the reward together before you start.
- Give the sticker right away, with a short word of praise for the step.
- Keep earned stickers. A chart with no red boxes and no removals stays a record of what went well.
Types of reward charts
| Type | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Sticker grid | One row per goal, one box per day | Ages 3 to 8, one or two routines |
| Fill-the-picture | A drawing with spaces to color in | Younger kids who like to see it grow |
| Token jar | A marble or pom-pom per success | Kids who like something to hold |
| Points tally | Points add up to a bigger reward | Ages 8 and up |
| Family goal | Everyone’s ticks fill one shared chart | Siblings who compete too hard |
Example: a filled-in reward chart
| Goal | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dressed before breakfast | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |
| Shoes on when the timer rings | ★ | ★ | ★ | ||
| 5 stars = pick Saturday’s park |
Seven stars by Friday: the park is earned, with stars to spare. The empty boxes stay empty, with no crosses.
How to write a good reward chart goal
| Too vague | Clear and checkable |
|---|---|
| Be good in the morning | Dressed before breakfast |
| Listen to me | Shoes on when the timer rings |
| Be nice to your sister | Ask before taking her toys |
| Do your chores | Clothes in the hamper before bath |
| Go to bed nicely | In bed when the song ends |
A good goal is something you can see happen. If you’d have to argue about whether it counted, rewrite it.
Reward ideas without screens or candy
| Small (daily) | Medium (every few days) | Bigger (weekly) |
|---|---|---|
| Choose the bedtime story | Pick dinner | Park or library trip |
| Extra 5 minutes of play | Stay up 10 minutes later | Baking together |
| Choose the music in the car | Pick a family game | Time alone with a parent |
| Pick the cup or plate | Choose the weekend breakfast | Choose a day trip |
| A high five song | Have a friend over | New book from the library sale |
Rewards that involve time with you are free and tend to stay interesting longer than objects.
Reward charts by age
| Age | Goal size | Mark | Reward timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 to 5 | 1 goal | Big stickers | Same day or next day |
| 6 to 8 | 1 or 2 goals | Stickers or stamps | Every 3 to 5 days |
| 9 to 12 | 2 or 3 goals | Ticks or points | Weekly |
| 13+ | Usually replaced by agreements or allowance | Points or none | Weekly or monthly |
Teens often prefer a plain checklist and a clear deal. See the printable chore chart for teens.
Reward charts for kids with ADHD
Many parents of kids with ADHD ask whether reward charts work. Some families find them useful when they are built around speed and visibility; others find they fade quickly. If you want to try one, these adaptations are common (home tips, not medical advice):
- Immediate rewards. The sticker or token comes right after the step, not at the end of the day. A small daily reward is easier to wait for than a weekly one.
- Short steps. “Get ready for school” becomes “dressed”, “shoes”, “bag”. Each step earns its own mark.
- Visual cues. A picture of each step on the chart, and a copy at the place where it happens. Our kids visual routine cards are printable picture cards that can sit right on the chart.
- One goal at a time. Add a second only when the first runs on its own.
- Change it often. New stickers, a new picture to fill, a new reward menu. Novelty is part of the design.
- No removals. Taking stickers back turns the chart into a punishment board.
For full-day charts, see ADHD routine for kids. If you have concerns about your child’s behavior, their doctor or care team can help.
Common problems
| Problem | Try this |
|---|---|
| Interest fades after a week or two | Change the reward or the design, or move to a new target |
| The goal feels too far | Fewer stickers to the reward |
| Siblings want one too | Give each a chart, or a shared family goal |
| You forget to give stickers | Keep the stickers next to the chart |
| Your child bargains for bigger rewards | Agree the reward menu before starting and keep it fixed for the week |
| The behavior stops when the chart stops | Fade it slowly: fewer stickers needed, then praise only |
Reward chart vs chore chart vs routine chart
| Chart | Tracks | Reward? | Typical length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reward chart | 1 or 2 specific goals | Yes, a small agreed one | A few weeks |
| Chore chart | Household jobs by day | Optional (stickers, allowance) | Ongoing, redrawn every few weeks |
| Routine chart | Steps of morning, after school or bedtime | Usually none, ticks only | Ongoing |
Many families combine them: a routine chart for the morning, with a reward chart for the one step that keeps failing. Keep the reward goal on its own small sheet so the routine chart stays simple.
When to stop a reward chart
A reward chart is usually a short-term tool. Once a routine runs without reminders for a couple of weeks, you can:
- Move the goal to a new routine.
- Fade the reward by needing more stickers for it.
- Switch to a plain routine chart with ticks, like the morning routine chart.
Pick one goal tonight, draw five boxes, and agree on the reward together. Want a plain grid without rewards? Use the chore chart template. For a fun way to choose the next job, spin the task wheel.
FAQ
How to create a reward chart?
Pick one or two behaviors or routines, describe them in words your child understands, and give a sticker or tick each time they happen. Agree on a small reward after a set number of stickers. Keep the goal reachable within a few days.
What are some good ideas for reward charts?
Small and frequent works best: choosing dinner, an extra story, a trip to the park, picking the weekend movie, or time alone with a parent. You can also use a sticker chart with a picture that fills in as they go.
Do reward charts work?
Results vary from child to child and family to family. Many parents find charts help for a while, especially for a specific routine. If you have concerns about your child's behavior, talk to their doctor or care team.
Do reward charts work for ADHD kids?
Some families find them useful when the goal is very short, the sticker comes right away, and the chart changes often. Others find they fade quickly. Your child's doctor or care team can help you decide what fits your child.
What to use instead of reward charts?
Some families skip rewards and use a plain routine chart with tick boxes, praise for the step, and a predictable order. Others use a shared family goal instead of an individual one. Pick what fits your child.