Rethinking Reward Charts: A Parenting Coach's Perspective

September 2, 2025 - 15:29

Reward charts are commonly employed by parents to monitor their children's progress in reaching specific goals or exhibiting desired behaviors. However, their effectiveness is being called into question. In a recent video, parenting coach Lisa Bunnage shared her views on why she believes reward charts may not be the best approach for home environments.

Bunnage argues that while reward systems can provide short-term motivation, they may inadvertently undermine intrinsic motivation in children. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a child's internal drive to achieve goals rather than relying on external rewards. According to her, this shift can lead to more meaningful and lasting behavioral changes.

Furthermore, Bunnage suggests that reward charts can create a transactional relationship between parents and children, where actions are performed solely for rewards rather than for personal growth or responsibility. Her insights encourage parents to explore alternative strategies that promote self-discipline and genuine engagement with their children’s development.