How to Use a Reward System for a Child with ADHD

Many individuals who live with ADHD struggle with task execution and follow-through, behavior, impulse control, self-esteem, focus, and motivation. A reward system may be able to help children with ADHD in these areas.

Reward systems for kids with ADHD are especially great for parents, teachers and behavioral therapists. They may use to reward positive behavior as a tool for teaching or motivating continued success in said behaviors.

If you're a parent who wants to learn how to use a reward system for a child with ADHD, you might wonder, "Where do I start?" or "How does it work?." Let's talk about the myths that sometimes surround a reward system for ADHD child, how to use one, and the advantages that can come when you use one.

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Myths About Using Reward Systems

One of the top ADHD myths about using a reward system is that you shouldn't do it, that it teaches kids to behave only when they get a reward, that it hurts intrinsic motivation, or that it's ineffective, but this isn't the case.

Children with ADHD do not misbehave or find difficulty in tasks on purpose, and one of the key differences we see in the brain of someone who lives with ADHD vs. the brain of someone who does not is differences in the brain’s reward system.

Kids with ADHD respond well to immediate rewards after good behavior, whereas their brain scans aren't as reactive to the anticipation of a reward. So, reward systems are not only perfectly healthy to use for kids with ADHD, but they're also proven effective, and they're an excellent way to work with your child's brain rather than against it! In other words, you can leverage reward systems to discipline an ADHD child.

What is relevant to say about using a reward system is there are some things you can do to make it more beneficial and sustainable. So, how do you do it?

How to Use a Reward System to Improve ADHD Behavior

If you want to implement a reward system for your child, you might wonder how to start. Here are some tips and steps to take that can help you understand how to use a reward system to improve ADHD behavior effectively.

Identify Desired Behaviors

First, identify the behaviors you want to see more of. What are the goals you have with your child, and how will you explain them in clear language?

You need to be straightforward with ADHD children when explaining rewards and consequences. There are a lot of examples of this. For example, a trip to the store is much more likely to go over smoothly if you say, "we're going to the store at 1 PM today" (and repeat it later on, too) than it would be if you were to attempt to get kids in the car and take them to the store without letting them know. The same is true for a reward system, where it is crucial to identify the specific desired behavior you will be utilizing a reward system for.

Another important piece of this is to identify the positive behavior you want to see rather than pointing out the behavior that you do not want to see. For example, if you are using a reward system for a child who struggles to speak quietly indoors, instead of saying that a child will receive a reward "if they don't yell," you might say that they will receive a specific reward if they "use their indoor voice" or "speak softly."

Identify Rewards That Matter

The kind of rewards you use for kids matters in making a reward system effective, healthy, and maintainable. Here are some tips:

• Do provide the reward directly after a child successfully engages in positive behavior. This is critical for success in using a reward system for kids with ADHD. 
• Don't use daily household items as rewards. For example, food is a daily and necessary item. It's unlikely novel, and even more, it would be potentially damaging to withhold it - no matter what kind of food it is, even if it's candy or another type of treat. It's also worth it to note that this could potentially harm a child's relationship with food, which is crucial to take note of with the prevalence of eating disorders among those who live with ADHD in mind. 
• Do use rewards that are novel and special. Things like experiences - for example, going to a playground or going to the beach - aren't things that you keep around the house, for one thing, and they are typically novel and special for kids. Other ideas, like ADHD games your child can play or an extra hour of time spent watching TV, also work. This may double in part as a way to navigate and manage game or technology usage in kids with ADHD, which can be a tricky balance to strike. For example, the reward you set can be "one extra hour of gameplay." 
• Don't choose rewards you might not be able to follow through with. It's essential that you are able to follow through, so choose rewards that are cost-effective and that you know will be possible for you to provide your child with. It's recommended that items like new toys are limited as rewards for this reason; experiences, hugs, and lower-cost items, like small toys, stickers, and sensory items, are typically a more suitable choice. Either way, check in with yourself and make sure that it is something that you can follow through with. 
• ‍Do cater rewards to your child as a unique person. The rewards that work for your child will depend on age and other factors. However, what matters is that the reward is genuinely motivating. It has to be something your child wants for the system to work.

You can get creative with the rewards you use and change them regularly to fit your child’s growing interests. If you do decide to offer a reward that costs money (outside of small, sensory toys that are manageable to buy as a regular reward, like small candles, bubbles, gum, and so on), you might decide to start a savings jar for that specific reward. So, for example, you might start a coin jar for the toy car your child wants and add a coin to it as a reward following positive behavior until the jar is full. Then, you can buy the item. Read more about the best toys for kids with ADHD.

Enforce the System

Consistency is extremely important with kids, and when it comes to conditions like ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it can be even more vital in some ways. Make sure that you tell your child the behavior you expect and how/when they will get the reward in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Then, enforce the system. Stick to your word, and provide the reward directly after the positive behavior or task. Your child needs to trust that what you say is true. If you say something and don't enforce it, your child will learn that what you say isn't necessarily factual, and they are less likely to listen.

Try Joon as a Reward System

Joon is a motivational reward system for children with ADHD that combines fun games with daily tasks and goals. The mobile app works as a calendar that helps children stay focused and complete their daily tasks by using video game technology which acts as the reward system.

Children in general love video games, they’re stimulating and fun, but they don’t really learn any important habits or real-life skills from them. Joon combines both of these environments into one. The only way to focus on the game and level up is by focusing on these important real-life tasks first that you the parent assign to your child.

Parents set up their child’s daily routine and habits you want them to develop and then the video game does all of the motivating, tracking and reminding for you! You'd work alongside your child's ADHD symptoms to build productive habits. You could also use Joon as an app to assign chores. The options are endless.

Using our top-rated ADHD routine app, it only takes 5 minutes to set up your child's daily tasks and customize the rewards and reminders to fit their needs. Lastly, you can use Joon with your child on many different devices such as an iPad, Samsung Tablet or even an Amazon Fire Kindle. Click here to download the app for free and try out a 7-day free trial.

Advantages of Using a Reward System

There are a ton of significant advantages to using a reward system for kids with ADHD. One of the top benefits, of course, is that it works. Some people worry that using a reward system with ADHD will teach a child to behave or work on a task only when they receive a reward and will hurt their intrinsic motivation. This isn't the case, nor is it the purpose of a reward system.

One of the greatest advantages of using a reward system is that they teach kids with ADHD that they can achieve the things that they set their minds to. It shows them that they can engage in positive behavior, and it shows them they can succeed.

Once a child knows and internalizes that they can do it, it sets them up for future success. Reward systems can increase confidence, motivate a lazy child, and are a great mode of teaching. Depending on the rewards you use, it's also an excellent way to create memories with your child!

Why Reward Systems Work

If you live with ADHD or know someone who does, you likely know one thing to be true; it's all in the dopamine. Rewards work because they release dopamine, a "feel good" or happy hormone, into the brain. People who live with ADHD are heavily motivated by the release of dopamine in the brain due to the brain differences seen in those who live with ADHD.

This information is useful for adults who want to change their behavior as much as it is for kids, though, of course, the execution will look quite a bit different. If you need help building a reward system, understanding how it works, or if you face difficulty in finding ways to support your child using this method or others, consulting with a professional who specializes in ADHD may be advantageous. Reward systems are just one tool to use for kids with ADHD, and other tools and forms of treatment may still be needed in conjunction for the best results and all-around care.

Takeaway

Reward systems can be helpful with learning, behavior change, discipline, and motivation in children who live with ADHD. They're an organized and research-backed way to help kids with ADHD learn what they can do, improve behavior long-term, and thrive.