Smelly Treats: A Powerful Tool for Positive Behavior

When it comes to reinforcing positive behavior in young children, traditional rewards like stickers or candy can be effective—but I’ve found something even more impactful: smelly treats. These are scented chapsticks that I swipe on the back of a child’s hand when they demonstrate kind or helpful behavior.

What makes smelly treats different is that they’re not tangible rewards that kids take home. They’re not prizes or sugar—they’re a celebration in the moment, often given to the whole group when expectations are being met. And unlike stickers, smelly treats engage a very primitive part of the brain: smell is strongly tied to memory and emotion. When a child receives a smelly treat, they associate the scent with the positive feelings of cooperation, kindness, or focus—creating a deeper, more lasting connection than a sticker ever could.

I usually introduce smelly treats as early as age two. For example, if a child struggles to share, I’ll have a smelly treat ready. When another child shares successfully, I swipe a small amount on their hand and acknowledge the behavior: “You shared, that was so kind!” Other children notice, and soon they start looking for opportunities to share on their own. The treat becomes a sensory cue for positive behavior—they love the smell, they feel proud, and they naturally engage with peers in a more cooperative way.

As children grow, smelly treats continue to be a reinforcement tool. In my 4- and 5-year-old classrooms, I use them to reward group behavior: lining up calmly, sitting quietly during circle time, or getting lunchboxes and water bottles ready. I’ll announce, “I have smelly treats for friends who are calm in line,” then reward those who meet expectations. The scent helps children self-regulate, taking a deep breath, calming their bodies, and connecting positive feelings with following classroom routines.

Later in the year, I introduce a smelly treat helper job. This rotates weekly, giving one child the responsibility of distributing smelly treats to peers who demonstrate expected behaviors. This small role empowers children, giving them confidence and a sense of influence: they can make their friends feel happy, and they see that their actions matter. It also subtly teaches leadership and social responsibility, while reducing the pressure on me to remember every treat.

Smelly treats may seem simple, but their impact is profound. They engage the senses, create lasting emotional connections to positive behavior, and foster classroom community. More importantly, they teach children that their actions matter, that they can bring joy to others, and that reinforcing good behavior can be fun, meaningful, and memorable—lessons that last a lifetime.