The idea behind a token board pretty simple. Your child is working for something they want (i.e. 10 min to play with you, getting to pick a movie to watch, getting to use bubbles, etc.), and to get it they can earn “tokens” toward their reward by doing what you ask them to do (i.e. pick up toys, draw or read quietly etc.)
Token boards can be as simple as drawing boxes on a piece of paper and putting a star, happy face or sticker in each box when your child follows directions. When all the boxes are full, they get the reward they are working for.
The trick here is instead of prompting them over and over to do something, you can remind them what they are working for and how they can earn a token toward their reward (i.e. “When you pick up your toys, Then you can earn a star towards getting your tablet time”). It is hard at first to break the habit of repeating yourself or arguing with them, but once they realize they can get something they want, by earning tokens for doing what you want, the arguing and negotiating will start to be less frequent.
For more info check out this link: http://mamaot.com/tips-for-positively-addressing-your-childs-behavior-using-a-token-economy/
Ready to give it a try? You can:
- Use a piece of paper to draw some boxes, or
- Check out our Visual Resources section under Token Economy, or
- Try out this free app below!
App: StickerPOP
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stickerpop-sticker-charts/id656271824