How to Set Goals for Incentive Charts

Setting goals is a very important step in the use of incentive charts to improve your child's behaviors. Goals that are too easy, too difficult, or too general may make incentive charts ineffective.

Instructions

1. Make a list of all of the behaviors or problems that are frustrating you about your child. Don't worry about writing it clearly or specifically. At this point, you just want to compile a list of potential goals for incentive charts. It could be anything from talking back to leaving shoes all over the house to coloring on the walls.

2. Read back through your list and star the items that are the highest priority for you. Find any items on your list that could be combined or are related. Many times you will discover one root behavior that is causing many of the problems. The best goals for incentive charts are ones that will significantly improve your child's overall behavior.

3. Decide which one of your starred goals needs the most immediate attention. It could be the behavior that will resolve several of the issues on the list. It could be the one behavior that is really stressing you out. It is best, especially for younger children, for incentive charts to only address one behavioral issue at a time.

4. Write the goal in specific, actionable terms. The goal should be something that is measurable in some way. For example, toys will be put in designated bins as soon as playtime is over. This is more specific and can actually be measured. Either your child put his toys away or he didn't. This type of goal is much more effective than simply saying "Keep your room clean" or "Behave well". Kids need specifics. They need to know exactly what is expected of them.

5. Always write goals prominently on incentive charts. This is your child's physical reminder of the goal. For younger children, a picture to go along with the goal is a good idea.

6. Discuss the specific goals and incentive charts with your child. Explain the goal and exactly what you expect of him. Remind your child of the goals as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to change the goals for your incentive charts if they prove to be ineffective.

• Make sure the goal is not too easy or too difficult for your child to attain. Incentive charts will be ineffective if you child reaches the goal easily or feels that he will never be able to read them.