Token Economy: Reinforcement that works.

You should now have lots of low point values, and a couple of large point values. Now assign a currency. You can use poker chips, game tokens, or monopoly money, anything with limited circulation around the house. Assign a point value to each item of currency, keeping in mind the point values you assigned a moment ago to each privilege. You may need to re-score a few privileges, but that is ok. Increments of 5 worked for us, because we used poker chips that weren't marked, and I decided 5 was an easy multiple.

Next, make a list of behaviors you want to encourage. Clearing the table without being asked, completing the chores on time, getting up for school without a hassle, and using good table manners are all possibilities. Remember that you are not giving tokens merely for performing normal household functions. Simply doing the chores is already required. I don't believe in paying my children for doing their chores, I believe that instead, children should get a nominal allowance simply because they are part of the family. Being part of the family requires them to perform their chores anyway. The focus of the token economy is to emphasize the 'extras' that your child can do to make life more enjoyable for everyone in the family.

Make sure to give generously for these positive behaviors. If your teen remembers to take the garbage without being asked, give him plenty of tokens. It is your goal to provide enough tokens that your child will have enough to buy all her regular privileges plus a couple of extras. Remember; don't think negative, think positive, and reward, reward, reward.