I read a blog article over my cereal this morning (which unfortunately I cannot link to because of the security settings for internet use on school property) about "non-toy" presents for kids. The ideas are definitely great for gifts, but were also ideas that I appreciated from a school psychologist perspective. Often when we were trying to find incentives to encourage kids we get stuck on tangible items, and tangible items cost money. Obviously both schools and families have limits when it comes to buying tangible items. I think we often reach for the tangible items first because they are an obvious incentive. Of course a kid would like a new toy! Of course a kid would like candy! I think we often forget how rewarding the gift of spending time with a kid can be. This list of suggestions mostly came from the blog that I read with some added commentary on my part. A common theme among them is that these suggestions not only are fun for your child, but help to develop academic, social, and personal skills.
1. Classes or Lessons- Get a kid involved in something they are interested in! As a school psychologist I work with a lot of kids who struggle academically. Having an interest that a child can develop can help build up a sense of self-competence. For a child that has a lot of difficulty learning, having a hobby or athletic interest gives them something to be proud of. It also gives them something to be an "expert" about around their peers. Classes can also give a child an opportunity to meet peers with similar interests and develop friendships.
2. Subscriptions to Magazines- Magazines are a gift that keeps coming as your child gets monthly mail (which is pretty exciting). This also encourages your child to be excited about reading. Along a similar line, as a child I always appreciated trips to the library with my mom. Picking books with her and then spending time reading them is a memory that I always look back on fondly.... and it was something that cost no money at all.
3. Teach Them Something- As curriculum and technology has changed, students are getting less exposure to things like telling time on a clock that is not digital or writing in cursive. There have been many students that I have worked with (especially middle schoolers) that really want to learn these skills and are highly motivated by the opportunity to do so.
4. Calendars- A calendar is a great gift that helps your child to visualize the activities they and your family have. It also helps support math skills by counting down to days and supporting learning months and days of the week. Getting used to using a calendar can also help your child's organization skills as they get older.
5. Art and Craft Supplies- Encourage your child to be creative and use their imagination! Schedule times for you and your child to be crafty together.
6. Games and Puzzles- Games and Puzzles help teach skills of turn taking, problem solving, and sportsmanship. Some games (such as card and dice games) can also help support academic skills.
7. Recipes- Since cooking is a "grown up" activity, children often enjoy opportunities to cook. Using a recipe helps a child learn math skills like counting, measuring and telling time. Your child learns patience as cooking takes time and can develop pride for creating something. It also supports family togetherness.
8. Coupons- You can give a child coupons for a variety of things. In school maybe a coupon to not complete a homework assignment (or half of a homework assignment). At home your child could get coupons to get a break from a chore they are usually assigned, or for a special privilege such as picking a movie for the family to watch, staying up a half hour past bedtime, picking dessert, playing a game with a family member or earning extra time to do something they like, such as use the computer.
What gifts or rewards other than toys do you give children?
1. Classes or Lessons- Get a kid involved in something they are interested in! As a school psychologist I work with a lot of kids who struggle academically. Having an interest that a child can develop can help build up a sense of self-competence. For a child that has a lot of difficulty learning, having a hobby or athletic interest gives them something to be proud of. It also gives them something to be an "expert" about around their peers. Classes can also give a child an opportunity to meet peers with similar interests and develop friendships.
2. Subscriptions to Magazines- Magazines are a gift that keeps coming as your child gets monthly mail (which is pretty exciting). This also encourages your child to be excited about reading. Along a similar line, as a child I always appreciated trips to the library with my mom. Picking books with her and then spending time reading them is a memory that I always look back on fondly.... and it was something that cost no money at all.
3. Teach Them Something- As curriculum and technology has changed, students are getting less exposure to things like telling time on a clock that is not digital or writing in cursive. There have been many students that I have worked with (especially middle schoolers) that really want to learn these skills and are highly motivated by the opportunity to do so.
4. Calendars- A calendar is a great gift that helps your child to visualize the activities they and your family have. It also helps support math skills by counting down to days and supporting learning months and days of the week. Getting used to using a calendar can also help your child's organization skills as they get older.
5. Art and Craft Supplies- Encourage your child to be creative and use their imagination! Schedule times for you and your child to be crafty together.
6. Games and Puzzles- Games and Puzzles help teach skills of turn taking, problem solving, and sportsmanship. Some games (such as card and dice games) can also help support academic skills.
7. Recipes- Since cooking is a "grown up" activity, children often enjoy opportunities to cook. Using a recipe helps a child learn math skills like counting, measuring and telling time. Your child learns patience as cooking takes time and can develop pride for creating something. It also supports family togetherness.
8. Coupons- You can give a child coupons for a variety of things. In school maybe a coupon to not complete a homework assignment (or half of a homework assignment). At home your child could get coupons to get a break from a chore they are usually assigned, or for a special privilege such as picking a movie for the family to watch, staying up a half hour past bedtime, picking dessert, playing a game with a family member or earning extra time to do something they like, such as use the computer.
What gifts or rewards other than toys do you give children?