Parenting Tips & Childcare Services
“I had a tough time with sit until I made this one change.”
If you’ve ever babysat energetic kids, you’ll know this feeling all too well.
I once had a regular babysitting job where, no matter how prepared I was, nothing seemed to work. I’d arrive with activities planned, worksheets ready, even a rough schedule in mind… and within minutes, chaos would unfold.
The kids were running around, talking over me, and completely ignoring instructions. I felt invisible. Every session turned into me repeating myself, negotiating, and trying to keep things from going off the rails. It was exhausting. I knew I needed a better approach, one that didn’t rely on constant reminders or raised voices.
The Simple Idea That Changed Everything
One day, I had a small but powerful idea. I created a simple Rewards Sheet and printed it out before heading over. Nothing fancy, just a sheet where the kids could earn points for completing activities like:
Finishing an activity worksheet
Participating nicely in a game
Learning something new
Following instructions the first time
For every completed task, they earned points. At the end of the month, they could trade those points for a small gift. That was it. No big lecture. No long explanation. Just a clear system.
What Happened Next Surprised Me
Almost immediately, the vibe shifted. Instead of me chasing them to sit down, the kids started asking: “What’s the next activity?” They were suddenly motivated. They were more focused. More cooperative. More excited. Our sessions became calmer, smoother, and most importantly, fun again. I wasn’t nagging anymore. I wasn’t repeating instructions five times. The kids felt a sense of ownership over their choices, and I felt like I finally had a system that worked.
A Quick Note on Boundaries
This reward system works best for learning, participation, and positive behaviour during activities. It’s not meant to replace basic expectations like brushing teeth, tidying up after themselves, and basic manners. Those remain non-negotiable household habits. Think of the reward sheet as a motivator, not a bribe and a way to encourage good habits in a positive, visual way
Want to Try This with Your Kids?
If you have kids at home or babysit cheeky little ones, this simple reward system might be worth a try. Download this free printable reward sheet and start today.
Let us know how it goes! We’d love to hear what works for your family.
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