Are There Benefits of Behavior Charts for Children? (2024)

A behavior chart is a type of reward system for keeping track of a kid's actions and choices that you like. It is one way to reinforce the good behavior a child displays and encourage patterns that you want the child to continue. This approach can help your child feel empowered and act as a positive reminder to behave in a certain way.

How to Create a Behavior Chart for Children

First, decide on the behavior that you plan to encourage with the chart. It is best to use positive language instead of words like "no," "don't," "stop," or "quit." Instead frame behaviors in a positive way. For example, "Brush your teeth," "Put books back on the shelf," or "Share toys with your brother," are clear and positive behaviors. Behavior charts can help with potty training, bedtime routines, mealtimes, and more.

Next, decide on the ultimate reward that your kid will earn when they achieve a certain number of stickers. Make sure that this is something they're excited about and motivated to work towards. Ensure that the number of stickers they need to earn is a reasonable number and that the reward is something you're willing to stick to. Good examples include a new book, a new toy (under a certain price point), or an activity that your child is excited about (going to a movie, getting ice cream, etc.).

Using a chart and stickers that have a theme can be fun, too. Selecting something that your child finds interesting and exciting can add to the motivation of earning stickers.

Be sure to explain the chart to your child, and continually remind them of why they're earning stickers for certain behavior. This specificity and enthusiasm reinforces their good choices and contributes to their motivation. For example, "You did a wonderful job picking up all of the crayons. You earn a sticker!"

Other Tips for Behavior Charts for Kids

Be consistent. Keeping your expectations consistent is very important to help children understand what you're expecting from them. If a kid earns a sticker for one action today, and then something entirely different tomorrow, they're less likely to associate the reward with specific behavior. Additionally, if there are multiple caregivers who are issuing stickers, make sure they're all on the same page with what does (and doesn't) merit a sticker on the behavior chart.

Be patient. Behavior change does not happen overnight. It may take some time for your child to really start to demonstrate behavior change, even with the use of a chart. Be patient while your child gets used to the new system; you may need to explain it more than once.

What If the Behavior Chart Isn't Working?

There may be a few reasons that your behavior chart is not working.

  • Unreasonable expectations — Are you asking your child to do something that they're not developmentally capable of doing?
  • Clear expectations — Does your child fully understand what you're asking them to do?
  • Wrong rewards — Is your child interested in the ultimate reward? Or would they be better motivated by something different?

Keep Evolving

When kids have mastered a specific behavior, you can use the behavior chart to help them achieve the next level of whatever you are working on, or another skill altogether. Be sure to go through the same steps for next-level charts. Ensure that you're asking something reasonable of your child, that what you're expecting them to do is very clear and straightforward, that it's rewarded consistently, and that they're working towards something they're interested in.

Experts note that while behavior charts can be very effective for children, they are meant to be short-term tools to help develop good behavior. If you have concerns about your child's behavior, you can always speak to their pediatrician.

Are There Benefits of Behavior Charts for Children? (2024)

FAQs

Are There Benefits of Behavior Charts for Children? ›

Behavior charts can help with potty training, bedtime routines, mealtimes, and more. Next, decide on the ultimate reward that your kid will earn when they achieve a certain number of stickers. Make sure that this is something they're excited about and motivated to work towards.

What are the benefits of behavior charts for kids? ›

Behavior charts are common in the classroom, but work for kids at home as well. Behavior charts can be used to track behavior, reinforce routines, remember chores and completing tasks. There are many benefits of behavior charts including instant feedback, motivation, and visible expectations.

Are behavior charts effective? ›

Behavior charts can encourage positive behaviors and teach children to be independent and take accountability for their actions. However, they may also cause children to constantly expect a reward for their behavior, making it difficult to motivate them when they're no longer being rewarded.

Why I don't use behavior charts? ›

They enforce short-term obedience instead of long-term learning and change. Behavior charts teach children that mistakes are unsafe and those who do not follow the rules and directions will be punished.

Why are reward charts good for children? ›

A reward chart is meant to help children make better choices by providing something they want in exchange for good behaviours such as brushing their teeth, going to bed without crying, and picking up their toys. For parents, a reward chart can seem like a great idea, especially if your child responds well to it.

What to use instead of a behavior chart? ›

Instead, you can use individual reward charts to focus on a specific goal throughout the school day. Sticker charts are one example of an individual reward chart that you can use to help students exhibit more positive behavior during the day. Any time you notice the student meeting the goal, they earn a sticker.

Do behavior charts work for ADHD kids? ›

Classroom behavior charts, or daily report cards, are a common evidence-based intervention for kids with ADHD. When used correctly, they are an excellent tool that can help students with ADHD stay more focused, organized, and in control of their behavior.

What age to start a behavior chart? ›

Reward charts usually work well for children aged 3-8 years. It's good to involve your child as much as possible when you're setting up a rewards chart.

Do behavior charts work for odd? ›

Moreover, visual aids, such as ODD behavior charts, can help remind children of their behavior goals and keep them focused on what they need to achieve. This can be especially helpful for children with ODD, who may have difficulty with attention and impulse control.

Do behavior charts work for autism? ›

Regardless of the reason or situation, behavior charts can have many benefits. This is particularly true when working with a child who has autism. Language delays and problematic behaviors such as physical aggression or self-injury can be effectively addressed using behavior charts.

Why are behavior charts inappropriate in early childhood education? ›

They label the child's behaviors, but they do not teach strategies for coping with strong emotions or solving problems. The chart unfairly targets kinesthetic, physical kids; predominantly boys. The chart undermines trust in the child-caregiver relationship.

Is it time to reconsider the behavior chart? ›

Reconsidering the Behavior Chart

A growing number of schools and educators have moved away from using them, believing they may do more harm than good. Many child psychologists note that these tools can be demeaning, shaming, and even cause anxiety within students.

When may a behaviour chart be used or required? ›

When should I use an ABC Behaviour Chart? An ABC analysis can be useful when you want to understand the behaviour of children who have special educational needs, learning difficulties or are Autistic. You can fill in an ABC behaviour chart as part of an informal analysis of a certain child's behaviour at any time.

What are the positives of behavior charts? ›

Pros of behaviour charts

Helps maintain order in the classroom or in your home without needing constant verbal reminders. This is especially useful in an active setting with different activities happening at once. Gives children a visual indicator of where their progress is in relation to their peers.

Do behavior charts work for toddlers? ›

Behavior charts can help with potty training, bedtime routines, mealtimes, and more. Next, decide on the ultimate reward that your kid will earn when they achieve a certain number of stickers. Make sure that this is something they're excited about and motivated to work towards.

What is normal bad behavior for a 4 year old? ›

It's very common for preschoolers to push boundaries and act out on occasion—and for their parents to wonder how to handle these 3- and 4-year-old behavior issues. Tantrums and meltdowns, as well as asserting their independence by saying "no," are all normal behaviors at this age.

What are the benefits of behavior therapy for children? ›

Behavior therapy teaches children and their families how to strengthen positive child behaviors and eliminate or reduce unwanted or problem behaviors. One type is parent training in behavior management. The therapist works with parents to learn or improve skills to manage their child's behavior.

What are the benefits of the ABC chart for behavior? ›

Using an ABC chart as an observational tool helps you to analyse the circ*mstances and consequences of a child's behaviour. This helps form strategies of behaviour management that are person-centric, and ensures the needs of the individual are fully met.

What are the benefits of using charts in the classroom? ›

Classroom charts serve as both instructional aids and reference materials, creating an interactive and inclusive atmosphere that supports diverse learning needs and encourages student participation in the learning process.

What is the purpose of the child behavior checklist? ›

The CBCL provides information on six scales: affective problems, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, anxiety, oppositional defiance, somatic problems, and conduct problems. An additional version is available for parents or caregivers of children aged 1.5–5 years.

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