Stickers. Marble jars. Token systems. Oh my!

They're everywhere in early childhood - and for good reason. Rewards often work - but what are they really teaching children? And what if we’re using them in ways that create more problems down the track?

In this episode, I unpack the biggest myths about rewards and give you six practical, research-aligned ways to use them without crushing motivation, connection, or community.

You’ll hear:

🪄The problem with how rewards are often studied (and what’s missing from the data).

🪄Three myths about rewards that just won’t die (and why they’re so sticky).

🪄 Six practical ways to use rewards well, without relying on bribes or behaviour scripts.

🪄The difference between “supporting behaviour” and “controlling it.”

🪄 Why praise matters and how to use it to build self-worth, not just win approval.

Whether you’re pro, anti, or somewhere in the murky middle, this episode will give you clarity and confidence to use rewards with intention; not just habit.

Helpful links

Download my free guide Navigating Rewards When You’re Expected to Use Reward Systems

Purchase my Behaviour Bites guide More Than “Good Job”: A Practical Guide to Praise That Builds Lifelong Learners

Doors to The Behaviour Reset are OPEN!

If you want to be able to understand the behaviour you're seeing, decide how to respond, and adapt your approach when things don't go to plan - without constantly questioning whether you're doing behaviour "right" - click here to join us!

Doors close on October 22.

EP 47 | Using Rewards Without Wrecking Intrinsic Motivation: What Actually Works

The Bloom Room: An Early Childhood Podcast

EP 47 | Using Rewards Without Wrecking Intrinsic Motivation: What Actually Works