Key points about rewards for managing sleep problems
- rewards can really motivate a child to improve their behaviour
- they work best if given soon after the behaviour, not after a few days
- choose a reward that your child will want
- try not to make food the reward
- never take away a reward
This page is about sleep in primary school tamariki (children).
How can rewards help my child's behaviour?
Rewards can help motivate your child to improve their behaviour. They work best when given soon after the behaviour, not days later.
After a couple of weeks, they may be less effective, but by then your child’s behaviour may have improved.
How do I set up a reward system?
Things you can try:
- choose a reward your child will want
- keep rewards small and low cost - such as stickers or stamps
- make it easy to earn rewards at first - for example, staying in their room at the start of the night
- once this is going well, reward bigger steps - such as staying in their room all night
- give the reward as soon as possible after the behaviour - for example, in the morning
- build up rewards - for example, 4 stickers = a lucky dip, trip to the park or choice of DVD
- some parents use small wrapped toys for a lucky dip
- avoid using food as a reward
- never take away a reward once your child has earned it
How do I make a star or sticker chart?
You can download free charts from the internet or make your own.
See the page on star charts for tips and ideas and you can download a free star chart to use with your child.
Online sleep programme
The Good Nights Programme is a New Zealand developed sleep programme. It was originally developed to support tamariki with autism-takiwātanga. Much of the content is helpful for all parents and whānau who want to support their child to sleep better. You can work through the modules in your own time.
Find out more about sleep and the best way to support your child to improve their sleep.
Module 1: Understanding your child's sleep
Module 2: Sleep scheduling
Module 3: Creating optimum conditions for sleep
Module 4: Teaching children healthy sleep habits
Module 5: Relaxation
Module 6: Promoting sleep-conducive behaviour
Module 7: Creating a sleep support plan
Visit the Good Nights Programme website to see all the modules
Acknowledgements
Starship Foundation and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand thank the Centre for Community Child Health at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, for making this content available to parents and families.
© Copyright – Centre for Community Child Health at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 2014. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this content may be reproduced by a process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute.
