Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
Alan, you’ve taught your children to set goals, and they reach them! Is there any kind of reward or evaluation process that should take place once a goal has been achieved?

Alan Hudson:
You know, our minds and our personalities were created in such a way that is energized by positive reinforcement. And this goes for how we respond to outward recognition and also for personal satisfaction due to a job well done. And reaching a goal is just like saying, “Well done.”

We spoke earlier in the week of the importance of breaking big goals into smaller goals with measurable actions. Celebrating these small achievements provides encouragement and energy to continue on toward the bigger goal. How you reward your children, or even yourself, is up to you.

But I have found it beneficial to remember that the size of the reward should complement the size and importance of the goal. Smaller goals equal smaller rewards, and bigger goals may justify bigger rewards.

Remember that often, though, the most valuable reward is recognition by your parents.

Mike Smith:
Alan, thank you so much for those helpful suggestions and for joining us on Home School Heartbeat this week. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.