While keeping these concerns in mind, external rewards can be used in a
transient way to help anxious and angry children break negative cycles and
take control of their feelings. Some young people will benefit from gimmicks
and games which inject fun into their work and help them focus on their
goals. Charts and stickers can ‘jump start’ motivation and map tangible proof
of effort and progress. Some young people need visual aids to help them see
the connection between sticking to a plan and reaching their goals. Charts
and stickers are usually only effective for about three or four weeks during
which time children can be encouraged to find internal motivations for their
reaching their goals. Once success is gained and goals are being met, reliance
on external rewards reduces naturally and the child’s internal reward system
takes over as the basis of their motivation and will.