Behavior Chart Success
7 Tips for Behavior Chart Success
A behavior chart can be an effective tool for tracking behaviors. Patience, consistency and realistic expectations will set you and your child up for behavior chart success. These seven tips will point you in the right direction!
Remember that change takes time! If your child has been misbehaving or not doing her chores for a while, it may take some time before she incorporates the new expectations. She won’t change overnight! Start by focusing on one specific behavior and stay with that goal until it is reached.
If you can’t easily track the behavior and/or it’s not specific, then using a behavior chart can become confusing. “Clean your room” is too broad, and a child’s definition of “cleaning your room” might be different from a parent’s.
More specific behaviors to track might include, “make your bed every morning,” “do your homework before using the computer,” or “put your dishes in the sink after eating.”
Your child will be less motivated if he doesn't enjoy or like the reward. When your child is involved in selecting the reward, he will have more fun and be more willing to participate!
Don’t focus on what you want your child to stop doing, focus on what you want her to start doing!
"Put your clothes in the hamper," is more positive than, “stop throwing your clothes on the floor!"
Set a good behavioral example. Don’t engage in arguing back when your child argues with you. If your child has a temper tantrum, don’t have the adult version at the same time. Take care of yourself so you can monitor your own stress levels. Read our article on stress management for parents.
Even if your child changes her behavior quickly, you need to give it time so the behavior becomes second nature, a habit. Use the chart for at least a month to make sure that the new behavior is there to stay!
In order for a behavior chart to work, you must use it consistently. Kids feel more trusting of parents who are consistent, and they will trust in the behavior chart process when you follow through!