It depends on what you're comfortable with and what your child responds to. Start with plenty of praise -- many kids are motivated by the sheer pleasure they give their parents. But if you feel that your child needs an actual reward in order to feel successful, that's fine. Many parents do well with stickers, candy, or small toys or figurines from your kid's favorite movies and cartoons. Just be aware that as you up the ante with gifts, your praise becomes less potent. --Donna Christiano

Copyright 2004. Reprinted with permission from the April 2003 issue of Parents magazine. Updated 2009

Answered by Parents Team

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