Katie Taylor, CCLS Child Life On Call for SmileMakers Inc.

Rewarding children is a great way to encourage them when they are doing something that is difficult, painful, or uncomfortable. Praise, attention and other forms of verbal encouragement work great, but there are times when you might need to get creative.

One of my favorite parts of being a child life specialist is making sure my prize box is filled with rewards and incentives that help children feel proud of what they've accomplished, no matter how big or how small. I use a prize box (or treasure chest) for anything from behavior plans, to procedure rewards, or even as a means of rapport building when meeting a patient or sibling.

We emphasize Progress over Perfection and we Personalize their Prize.

Although having a fully stocked box is important, I have also found that having a wide variety of different goodies is equally important. I wanted to share with you my latest SmileMakers five “must-haves” to stock your prize box.

1. Stickers. They work, y'all. I can honestly say that when I am working in the hospital, I do not leave my desk unless I have some sort of sticker with me.  When I get home, I have stickers in my pocket. So, I'm sure you can imagine that I have stickers in my prize box. My favorites are the selection of stickers from Encanto to Hot Wheels; and everything in between!

   

2.  Fidget Magic Cubes. This colorful puzzle is a brain buster and great for tweens and teens.

3.  Notepads. Disney Frozen Notepads are perfect for any child that loves to doodle, draw, or make little notes.

4.  Mini Cameras. The Mini Camera Viewers are a personal favorite of mine! These mini-sized prizes draw my patient’s in almost every time, as they love to click the button to see what picture is next in the viewfinder. So many different colors to choose from and many different pictures to see inside

5.  Grabbers. Twinkles Unicorn Stick Puppet Grabber is my final must-have on this list, but it never goes unforgotten with me. Any time a patient of mine chooses this prize it is almost a guarantee that I will see that same child using this again later in the day. It is a huge favorite among my patients no matter their age, gender, color, or diagnosis!

 

 

I love giving children a peek at the treasure box or prize bin before their procedure. Personalizing the choice helps make sure they choose what they really want and what they will really enjoy. 

What is your favorite incentive to offer children and teens in the hospital?