This reward system is a great way for parents to help children (including teenagers!) to have a happy balance between work and play. The Spiritual Treasure is that they will learn:
- The value of work
- The payment of consequences
- The ability to save
Directions- Choose and print one set of the Spiritual Treasure coins below.
- Make a list of ways to earn coins, such as: doing chores, cleaning bedroom, doing homework, etc.
- Make a list of how coins will be lost, such as: fighting, talking back, not doing required chores, not sharing, whining, etc.
- Make a list of rewards that can be purchased with earned coins, including the amount of coins needed to purchase them, such as: watching T.V. for an extra hour (2 coins), going out for ice cream (3 coins), renting a video or going to the movies (5 or 6 coins), not having to do a certain chore (mom or dad does it instead), etc. Items that cost a lot of money or time should be worth more coins, which will help children to learn how to save. Only put items on the list that you are willing to give/do.
- Find or make a container for the coins (to be earned) to go in, which should be kept in a safe place. Also find containers for each child to store their earned coins in. Containers can be treasure chests, little treasure bags, a decorated box, etc.
Spiritual Treasure Rules:- Parents can reward coins, or demand the return of coins, for things that are not on the lists.
- Lists can be changed as needed.
Spiritual Treasure (Sheet of 30; PDF Files)
Notes:- For younger children you can just make a simple chart with pictures of the rewards (such as toys, treats, videos, etc.) and pictures of the number of coins they need to earn for each one.
- Another way to make cool treasure coins is to spray paint blank poker chips gold or silver.
- A great way to make this system work is to let your children help make the three lists, although parents should make the final decisions.
- Clearly decide which actions will result in immediate loss of coins and which will be given a warning, this will help to find a balance between being too strict and not strict enough.
Find more great LDS family resources in the
Family Life and Marriage category.
