How to Make a Good Behavior Chart

Making a good behavior chart can help your child learn appropriate behaviors while also building self-esteem. The visual award and demerit system of such a chart enables the parent to discipline while also giving children the opportunity to take their attitude and choices into their own hands. Many parents find a good behavior chart works well for getting chores completed, working out continual discipline issues, or working with a child who requires more structure due to ADHD or related struggles.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer with word processing program
  • Ink jet printer
  • Poster board
  • Printer paper
  • Glue
  • Stickers
  • Tacks or tape

Instructions

    • 1

      Write out a list of goals you would like to place on the behavior chart. These might be chores, behavior modifications, or every day habits. Whatever you decide, make a top five list of priorities to place on the chart. Open up a word processing program or calculation software such as Open Office Calc or Microsoft Excel. Use a simple chart or graph template of your choosing to make your behavior chart. If you do not find one, you can simply draw one in Word or freehand with a marker.

    • 2

      At the side of the chart, make five sections, and label each section with one of your goals. For example, "Clean Room" can be section one, "Courteous to Siblings" can be section two, "Sharing Toys" can be section three, etc. On the top of the chart list the date of the month, or just leave it blank. Make rows of squares next to each section so columns are formed with approximately 10-30 squares in each row.

    • 3

      Shop with your child to pick out stickers to be used as a reward. Getting the kids involved with the creation of the chart, as well as the goal reaching, can really make a strong and positive impact. Choose stickers that are brightly colored or feature your child's favorite characters. Place a sticker on the chart every time a good behavior is completed.

    • 4

      Decide what the reward will be once a row on the good behavior chart is filled. Note these rewards somewhere on the chart, ideally along the bottom or below the graph. Make your reward intentions clear from the start, so a child will not expect too much or think too little of the behavior chart. Brainstorm with your child to come up with goal deadlines and rewards.

    • 5

      Tack or tape the good behavior chart in a visible, common area of the home. This may be the kitchen, living room or hallway. Encourage other family members to verbally praise the child when a sticker is earned, or a goal is near completion. Create a new good behavior chart with fresh goals once the current ones are achieved.

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