A sticker chart can help modify your child’s behavior

Are you at your wits with cycle after cycle of misbehavior with your child? Do you raise your voice more than you would like?

It is true that children know exactly which buttons to push when it comes to discipline. They know when and how to test their allowances. YOU… The father, you must be in full charge. Not the other way. A chart of colored stickers proudly displayed on your refrigerator can go a long way.

A behavior modification plan (if used correctly) can successfully break cycles of undesirable or bad behavior. This can also be an effective learning tool to help them progress to a new level of social development. Children love stickers. They make them feel special.

Present this behavior modification plan to your child enthusiastically. Talk about it in a positive way. Let them know you want them to learn and maintain good behavior habits and this is a really fun way to do it. Take them shopping with you to choose the stickers. Have your spouse join in the excitement.

It is recommended to give the plan four to six weeks to be effective. This should give your child a clear understanding of YOUR expectations for her behavior. These charts can also be used to help with daily chores and homework.

The sticker charts helped me discipline my own son. It worked like a charm. You can use various colors of construction paper to make these charts. I used the blue color. That is my son’s favorite color. I used a black magic marker to outline the graphics. But, use your imagination… you can make them up however you want. You can also use poster paper.

At the top of the chart, write your child’s name. Then make a list of desirable behaviors that he or she needs to learn. For example: honesty, cooperation, responsibility, kindness.

Ideally, make a graph for each month. Draw lines separating the listed behaviors. Place the date on the left side of the chart…drawing lines for each day of the month. This way, you’ll have a square to display a good behavior sticker for that particular day. Make sure you have bright, colorful stickers on hand at all times. They can include smiley faces, stars, hearts… anything you think will catch your child’s attention or anything they might like.

For each day your child earns your approval on a particular behavior, place a sticker on the chart for that day. Be generous as you begin the plan to motivate and encourage. Then adjust the amount of rewards accordingly.

Help your child understand the value behind these behavior changes… (to feel better about himself, not just to please you).

Here are some helpful tips:

1) Be consistent with the plan. If your child feels that you have lost interest in graphs… chances are he will lose interest too.

two) Go the extra mile and really show your admiration, appreciation, and approval when they display desirable behavior.

3) Carry stickers with you wherever you go. You can also reward your child with them when you are away from home. Children love to use them on their clothes.

4) These charts are beneficial for both teachers and parents.

5) When your child completes a full week (or month) earning stickers consecutively every day, give them a special treat. Go out for pizza, go to the show, or let him invite a friend over for the weekend.

6) (Important)… Never, ever forget to use lots of smiles, hugs, kisses, and praise along with rewards. Hugs and kisses go a long way. It is important that your children know that they are loved in a special way.