In this day and age, loyalty programmes are everywhere. We all have them; the Thank U card from Edgars and CNA, Clicks Clubcard, Pick n Pay Smartshopper, Woolies Loyalty, even Spar and Dischem have them. Old and young are familiar with the concept.

It’s going to take a bit of setting up from your side, but once that’s done, you can simply just apply it. This works for all ages!

Introducing….. (drum roll) “The First Time Club”! (Clap hands, make it festive, make it an event!)

1. Make up a chart with 30 squares.

2. Tell the child that each time they do something the first time they are asked, a happy face or a star, will be placed in a square. When all the squares are completed, they will earn a reward. If they do not comply, no reward.

3. Mutually agree on the reward beforehand. For younger children, you can place a picture of the reward on the chart or for older children you can write it on the chart. Make the rewards fun like an outing to the zoo, or movies and popcorn, or a LAN with friends.

4. Then practice with the child how they are to behave. “Each time I ask you to do something, I want you to: (1) Use good eye contact, (2) Listen quietly, (3) Say OK I will ____. then (4) Do it.” Practice this, making a number of requests.

5. Then start the program.

Be sure to praise them for each success during practice, as well as when the program starts. By the time the squares are filled, they will have developed a new habit. The brain needs 28 consecutive days to form a new habit. When they complete the program, provide the reward immediately. Take the chart down and let them have it as part of the reward. Continue to use praise and encouragement to make sure this new habit remains and becomes even stronger. Set up a new chart for the next month. Repetition and consistency is key for a good habit to take hold.

Courtesy https://childdevelopmentinfo.com