One of the biggest challenges parents face when using a reward chart is figuring out what actually motivates their child. Every child is different—what excites one may not matter to another. That’s where a reinforcement inventory comes in!
A reinforcement inventory is a simple tool that helps you identify which rewards (or reinforcers) will be most effective in encouraging positive behaviors. When used correctly, it ensures that little prizes and big prizes are truly motivating, making your reward system work better and faster.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What a reinforcement inventory is
✅ How to use it to identify the best rewards for your child
✅ The difference between little prizes and big prizes
✅ How to rotate reinforcers to keep motivation high
What Is a Reinforcement Inventory?
A reinforcement inventory is a list of items, activities, and privileges that your child finds rewarding. It helps parents choose the right reinforcers for a reward chart, token system, or behavior plan.
Since motivation changes over time, assessing your child’s preferences regularly is key to keeping rewards effective.
How to Create a Reinforcement Inventory
To build a reinforcement inventory, ask yourself:
✔️ What does my child get excited about?
✔️ What toys, activities, or experiences do they consistently ask for?
✔️ What special privileges do they enjoy?
✔️ Do they prefer tangible items or experiences?
You can also ask your child directly! Try saying:
💬 “If you could pick a special treat or activity, what would it be?”
💬 “What’s something small that would make your day better?”
💬 “What’s something really big you’d love to earn?”
Make a list of rewards based on their responses.
Little Prizes vs. Big Prizes: What’s the Difference?
To keep kids motivated, it’s helpful to use both small and large rewards.
🟢 Little Prizes (Short-Term Motivation)
These are small, easy-to-earn rewards that help maintain motivation daily or weekly. They work well for reinforcing specific positive behaviors in the moment.
Examples of Little Prizes:
🎨 Extra coloring time
🎮 10 minutes of video game time
🍪 A special treat (like a cookie or fruit snack)
📺 Choosing the next TV show
🚀 A sticker or stamp on their reward chart
Little prizes should be earned frequently, so your child stays engaged.
🔵 Big Prizes (Long-Term Motivation)
Big prizes are used to reinforce consistent behavior over time. They help children learn delayed gratification—a crucial life skill.
Examples of Big Prizes:
🏕️ A family outing (zoo, museum, or park)
🎁 A new toy, book, or game
🍔 Dinner at their favorite restaurant
⛱️ A day at the beach or an amusement park
🛍️ A small shopping spree
Since big prizes require more effort, they should be set up as a long-term goal.
How to Use the Reinforcement Inventory with Little & Big Prizes
1️⃣ List Out Your Child’s Favorite Rewards
Write down their most preferred little prizes and big prizes.
2️⃣ Match Rewards to Behaviors
Decide which behaviors will earn little prizes and which will build toward a big prize.
Example:
✔️ “Using a calm voice” = earns stickers (working toward a little prize)
✔️ “Completing bedtime routine all week” = earns a little prize
✔️ “Earning 10 stickers” = leads to a big prize
3️⃣ Rotate Rewards to Keep Things Exciting
If a prize loses its appeal, swap it for something else from the inventory!
4️⃣ Use a Visual Chart to Track Progress. Create a sticker chart or token board so your child can see their progress toward big prizes.
Final Thoughts
A reinforcement inventory helps ensure you’re choosing the right rewards to keep your child motivated. By using both little and big prizes, you create a system that reinforces positive behaviors effectively—while keeping things fun and engaging!
👉 Want more reward ideas? Click here to see our full list of Little Prizes & Big Prizes!
Hi! I'm a Family Alignment Coach with 24+ years of experience guiding parents through the challenges and joys of raising children. I combine my experience in behavior analysis, education and meditation to create personalized parenting plans that help families connect, communicate more effectively and co-create a life they love. When I'm not supporting families, you'll find me hiking, camping, meditating, or practicing yoga at my local studio in Encinitas, California.
