From the Melissa & Doug Community: What Motivates Your Child?
1. “Genuine praise, and cuddle-hugs!” (Tammy T.)   2. “Reading
them a story when they’re done…and when all else fails, snacks!!
(Lori V.F.)   3. “Join in and help them!” (Marcia R.C.)   4.
“Singing while we do it AND having speed contest – with smiles
all around.” (Laruen N.)   5. “I sing songs and clap to
encourage them to pick up their toys…once they get them put away
they get praise for a job well done.” (Kasi A.)   6. “Sometimes
I tell [my child] to race me while I do laundry and he cleans up
his room…other times just singing works if it’s before bedtime.
Sometimes the possibility of an extra bedtime story works.”
(Rachel P.)   7. “We play a game of his choosing [after chores
are done].” (Candice B.)   8. “My kids love a chore countdown.
We start at 10-minute cleanup and I call out the remaining
minutes!” (Andrea M.)   9. “I think just telling how much of a
help they are does so much, and to say ‘what a great job’ when
done!” (Cheryl C.)