Behavior Chart
- Buy or make a chart behavior and the name of your child on it. Identify the behavior that you want, to do your child. When you make the chart, write the days of the week on the top and a list of desired behaviors the down side.
- Let your child personalize his chart by drawing on it or decorating it.
- Help your child to create a list of awards. The reward must be something which your child enjoys. You decide with your child, how many times per week, to earn a reward to the desired behavior. Also the scale of the child rewards. When the child runs twice the behavior, you can earn such as a yo-yo. When she runs 10 times the behavior, you can earn a film. Put the chart in a place where your child, such as on the refrigerator, or in the Hall from her bedroom, so it will remind you of the desired behavior.
- Often, time spent with a parent is a reward that pleases a child.
- Place a sticker or points earned (for older children) on the chart whenever he performs the desired behavior. Praise your child for his accomplishments.
- At the end of the week, review the chart with your child and give her the reward(s) she has earned.
- Gradually scale out the chart as your child internalizes the behavior.
- Identify a variety rewards for your child, ranging from small, inexpensive items to moderately priced ones for difficult behaviors. Examples of inexpensive rewards are markers, noise-makers and notepads. Examples of moderately priced rewards include game and movie rentals, a ticket to a concert, clothes and a monetary contribution to something your child wants. Remember to include rewards that do not cost anything, such as a bike ride, a trip to a museum, staying up late or a sleepover.
- Use a variety of types of rewards for your child, including sensory (hugs, blowing bubbles or listening to music); verbal or social (thumbs up, hugs, pats on the back and smiling); material (pens and pencils, books and movie tickets); and general (tokens and points). General rewards often are redeemed for something else when the child accrues a specific number.
- Use coupons or money to give your older child more opportunities. Have your child make a list of things, what he like to do. Assign a value to each element. If your child earns enough "money" or coupon, he can for the reward trade.
- Use bonuses. When your child does something positive, give her a bonus. A bonus could be letting her sleep late on the weekend, buying additional minutes for her phone or giving her a night off from one of her chores.
- Verbally reward your child for exhibiting desired behaviors. Make it a point to "catch your child doing something good."
- Praise your child as soon as she exhibits the desired behavior.
- State exactly what you are praising your child for doing. For example, say, "You did a great job cleaning your room today."
- Recognize your child for part of a behavior he does correctly, even if he doesn't get it all right. For example, if the only part of cleaning his room your child accomplished was picking up his clothes.
- Praise your child as often as possible. Aim to praise your child four times (or more) for every time you correct her. The praise must be deserved and genuine.