Reward What You Want Repeated

One of the most popular aspects of our Games Room is the Kids Cash Counter. After every service, the Cash Counter is the place to be, because that is where the kids get to spend the 'kids cash' that they earned during service. Using this system has allowed us to reward the good behavior that the children demonstrate that we would like to see repeated in the future. Instead of constantly saying "no" or "don't do that," this method allows us to encourage children in their accomplishments and highlight their good behavior.


There are many ways that the children can earn this 'kids cash'. Kids cash can be administered for the following reasons:
-Coming to church
-Bringing their Bible
-Memorizing their memory verse
-Completing the at-home assignments
-Bringing a friend to church as a first time visitor
-Displaying good behavior
-Being a first time visitor
-Birthdays


By offering a reward for positive behavior, children are encouraged to repeat the behavior again in the future. This also teaches the children the Biblical principle that God takes pleasure in rewarding us for the positive things that we do. 1 Corinthians 3:8 and Revelation 22:12 tell us that God is interested in rewarding us when we make good decisions, and we want the children to understand this as well. By rewarding them for positive behavior, we shift our focus to what the kids are doing right rather than what they are doing wrong. By praising the positive things they do, we encourage the children to build up those traits.


The key to having success with this method is to have prizes that are 'worth it.' When the reward is desirable, the children will be more likely to strive towards good behavior in order to receive the reward. Our success with this method stems from our willingness to put the time and resources into supplying quality prizes.


The success that we have had by using this tool is a testament to our Pastors and leadership and their belief in this next generation. Using this method has allowed us to better disciple the children and encourage them in their spiritual and personal growth!


Tim