Child behavior chart: how does it work?

The behavior board, also called the motivation board or the responsibility board, is a tool that helps parents change one or more behaviors in their child (ren). We explain how it works.

What is a behavior chart?

The behavior board is a board on which the child is assigned tasks each day of the week. The parent notes in front of each task if the child has completed his or her mission (s). Each successful task allows him to accumulate points, stickers or images which at the end of the week will entitle him to a reward. This little tool is aimed in particular at children who are often reluctant to do what their parents ask them to do. These are simple tasks adapted to the child’s age: tidying up his room, putting away his toys, setting the table, brushing his teeth before going to bed, etc.
The motivation board can also be set up to change certain behaviors in the child such as stopping sucking his thumb or taking the pacifier, being more polite (saying “thank you”, “please”).

What are the benefits for children and parents?

A behavior chart has many benefits for the child, provided it is well explained and understood before it is used. This tool allows the child to visualize what his parents expect from him. Sometimes pictures speak louder than words, especially with children.
By highlighting your child’s daily accomplishments, you:

  • encourage him to progress towards well-defined goals ;
  • help him have more confidence in him because the rewards make him proud.
  • promote self-esteem ;
  • decrease his frustrations.

For parents, the behavior table allowsimprove relations with the child because there is less punishment and anger. Indeed, the idea is to insist on his positive behaviors and not on his negative behaviors.

How to reward the child?

It’s up to you to choose the types of rewards you want to offer your child. The idea is not to give him expensive gifts every time he performs a task on the board. This may cost you dear … The principle of the motivation board is to offer a reward after a certain number of tasks carried out by the child (materialized by stickers, images or even crosses). This can happen at the end of the week, for example. It is important that the reward is adapted to the behavior to be changed. The reward is not necessarily material. You can opt for a game, clothes, material for school as you can offer the child an outing to the restaurant or the cinema with you, prepare his favorite dish… The goal is to make him happy and show him that you are proud of him.

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Bargaining: the trap to avoid!

Be careful, the behavior chart should not be seen by the child as a way to get all the material things he wants. If, with each good behavior your child does, you offer him what he asks of you, you risk falling into a bargaining relationship. The board, which is basically a help for parents, can become a manipulation tool for the child when it is not used correctly.

To avoid this pitfall:

  • Always debrief his good behaviors with your child to see if he is proud and happy with himself and that he is not doing them just for the sake of material reward.
  • use the behavior table temporarily. It is a little help in teaching your child good behavior. Once the desired changes are well understood by the child, the table is normally no longer necessary.
  • show the example (parents, brothers and sisters…).
  • constantly monitor your child’s behavior by referring to the chart regularly. They should see that you feel involved and feel that this tool is important for the whole family.
  • praise your child in addition to the rewards. By encouraging and complimenting them, you encourage them to continue with their changes.

How to make a behavior table?

On the Internet, there are many models of behavior charts to print. You can also make it yourself and offer to help your child. Thus, he will feel more involved in your process. The more the table is to his liking, the more he will consult it.

© Modeling head

To complete your DIY behavior chart

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You can also buy your behavior chart, several brands sell it:

Reward table with 20 tasks and 300 stars

Magnetic Responsibility Board with 22 illustrated activities

12 reward boards, 6 behavior boards with 360 sticky pieces and reusable rewards

My calendar to stop diapers

Prefer stickers to the points system, the behavior chart is not a competition or an evaluation. Always post it in a place that is easily accessible to the child and visible (on the fridge, above his bed or his desk, etc.).