How to Create a Positive Behavior Modification Plan

A positive behavior plan focuses on recognizing a child's appropriate behavior. You may have used a system like this for potty training. You continue to have consequences for some actions, but you also begin to consistently offer rewards and praise when the child is doing something right. Pick one of several types of positive behavior plans, a contract, chart system or tokens, and find what works best for your child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Take into consideration the age and reading level of your child when choosing a positive behavior plan. A contract works better with older children and teens. A picture chart is good for younger children who need visual cues. A token system requires basic counting skills.
2. Identify the 5 to 10 behaviors you would like to improve in your child. Start with five basic goals for younger children, such as sharing toys. For older children the behavior plan might focus on remembering to do chores, completing homework and exhibiting good manners.
3. Decide how to reward the child for good behavior. Get input from your child so the reward is meaningful. If the child reaches a certain number of "stars" on a chart or reward tokens on a particular day, then the reward is given. Rewards can be inexpensive toys from a treasure box, collectible cards, stickers or whatever motivates your child.
4. Design a simple and straightforward positive behavior plan. The object is to recognize good behavior, but also make it easy for the parent to administer the plan. Add elements that make it fun for younger children. Instead of a chart on the wall, design a board game that the child's game piece moves across.
5. Give the reward immediately after verbally recognizing a good behavior. If some target behaviors involve public places or riding in the car, bring the tokens with you instead of waiting until you get back home.
6. Be consistent every day. The behavior plan works because it clearly defines the parent's expectations and the rewards for meeting those expectations.
7. Review and praise the child's progress throughout the day. Encourage your child to count their tokens and remind him how many more he needs to earn a reward.

Tips & Warnings

• Create paper "tickets" to use as tokens. Design them on the computer, then print and cut out. Have separate envelopes with each child's name on it and stick an earned ticket in the envelope.
• Mimic a positive behavior plan that your child's school uses to maintain consistency throughout the day. If your child's teacher uses tokens, then start with that type of behavior plan.
• If you have a positive behavior plan that's working at home, ask your child's teacher to implement a similar plan to address behavior problems in the classroom.
• Include siblings in a positive behavior plan if it's the fair thing to do and doesn't hinder another child's progress.
• Don't take away token or stars for bad behavior. Keep consequences for problem behavior separate from the positive behavior plan.

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