How to Get Your Kids to Behave by Using a Behavioral Chart

A behavioral chart can be used to monitor and change a child's behavior. The chart helps to reinforce good behavior and correct bad behavior. A similar procedure is used often on the hit TV show 'Supernanny'.

There are many ways to create and implement a behavioral chart. The method below is very popular and can yield some very good results. It can be used for any number of children.

Things You'll Need

• Large sheet of oak tag or other paper

Instructions

1. 

   Create the chart using a large sheet of oaktag paper (You could really use any type of paper but using a large paper sheet with large writing seems to emphasize the importance of the chart to the child). The chart should have a column for the behavior and a column for each child (so if you had two children, you would have three columns). The chart should have a row for each behavior and the 'good' behaviors should be separated from the 'bad' behaviors. See picture.
   (maybe an excel spreedsheet)

2. The Behavior. Let you children help with this part. Sit down with them and ask them what is good behavior and what is bad behavior. When you agree, put that behavior on the chart in the appropriate section. Work together with them to come up with 4-8 good behaviors and 4-8 bad behaviors.

   Some examples of good behaviors are:
   Being polite (saying please and thank you)
   Eat something healthy
   Practice piano

   Some examples of bad behaviors are:
   Making a mess
   Not listening to Mom and Dad
   Teasing
   Hitting or pushing

3. Tell your children that when they have a 'good' behavior, they will get a plus under their name in the matching row and when they have a 'bad' behavior, they will get a minus under their name in the matching row. You will be surprised how they will try to get pluses and try not to get minuses.

4. You obviously want them to get pluses so be generous when it comes to giving them. You should give them a plus for good behavior in the associated row (if it is on the chart) and a minus for bad behavior in the associated row (if it is on the chart).

5. Hang the chart on the wall or put it somewhere where it can easily be seen and reviewed.

6. Reward your child. When a child has acquired several pluses (and hopefully not too many minuses), reward them with a treat. This can be anything from an ice cream sundae to a new toy to a trip to the zoo (in many cases, it can be something that you were going to give them anyway, but don't let them know that).

7. If you stick with this chart and this method, I think you will be very happy with the results, as was I.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also base rewards on a certain number of stars or points. For example, each plus could be +1 and each minus could be -1. Add them all together for the total score. If the total score is, lets say 10, the child will receive a prize or reward or surprise.