Behaviour/Star Charts

How to use behaviour charts

Behaviour Charts

Here are some ideas to help you get the most from this book. A star or a sticker chart can encourage good behaviour. This is a simple way to notice, reward and get more of the behaviour you want.

Give it a go

Choose a chart from the following PDFs, perhaps your child could pick their favourite. Star chart booklet (this is big) - Star charts (this is a small file with four charts in it)
What behaviour will you reward? Pick something small- you want your child to get lots of stickers – such as putting away one of their games, packing their school bag or putting their dirty clothes in the laundry basket. With older children you may choose two or even three behaviours for which they can earn stars.
Talk with your child about what they must do to earn a sticker, be as clear as you can. For example you may want your children to get along better, so explain they will each get a sticker when they play together happily. You could let them know exactly what you want by giving ideas such as “help each other to finish a puzzle” or “share your pens to do colouring in”
You could have fun colouring in the stars together instead of using stickers.
Put the chart up where everyone can notice it – on the fridge or wall are favourite places. Keep it close to children’s eye level so it is easy for them to see. Now go ahead and start giving out stars!
Each time you notice the behaviour you want let your child know straight away, for example say “Well done Ben, you put away your book, let’s have a star on your chart for that.” Get the star and put it on, there and then.
You may decide that with every three or five stars you will give a special reward such as an extra activity with you, perhaps an added story at bedtime, a game of footy in the garden or baking together.
Pointing out the chart to relatives and friends is a good way to draw attention to good behaviour.
When all the stickers are collected you could colour in the chart or decorate it together.

Important tips

Only use the stars for good behaviour, do not include ‘bad marks’ or take off stars already collected. Charts don’t work very well when you put up marks for poor behaviour.
Some children like having their sticker on their jumper or hand, this is fine and works well for toddlers.
Don’t be surprised if your children rip up or try to throw away their chart, this is quite normal because collecting stars can be frustrating. Take a matter of fact approach, avoid telling them off and start again by putting up another chart the next day.
Use the chart for one week only, then take it down with lots of praise for the number of stickers collected.
Children lose interest quickly in any sort of reward so wait a few weeks before you start again on the next chart.

Reward Yourself

Everyone, adults and children alike, need to get a positive reaction from people around them when they have done something well. Remember to reward yourself too!
Notice the times you have handled a situation with patience and loving care and give yourself a pat on the back.
Even better, have a star chart for yourself! For example give yourself a star, tick or sticker every time you ‘catch your children being good’. What reward will you choose when you have five or ten stickers? A magazine or a book to read?, some time playing or watching sport?, a bubble bath for yourself?, a favourite dessert to share?
You can involve your child in deciding when you deserve a star or sticker. For example after tea each day you could ask, “Did I tell you how good you were today?” or “Did I notice how well you ate your lunch?”
Your child can help you put a sticker on your chart. Children find it great fun to turn the tables and give you a sticker on your reward chart.
You could use your reward chart to encourage yourself to make a change. For example you may be quitting smoking, starting to play a sport, learning to use a computer or getting organised to go back to work or study. Reward yourself for each step towards these changes.

Potty training - getting started

Here’s how to get going:

Let you child handle and get used to the potty.
Try showing him / her how to use the potty by sitting on it yourself!
Teach your child how to sit down slowly on the potty.
Set up a potty routine, for example about 20 minutes after meals is a good time to try to use the potty to do a poo.
Keep potty time relaxed.

Using training pants while potty training should prevent any toileting accidents and help make you child feel grown up. This is also an ideal opportunity to teach your children how to dress themselves, pulling up their own pants and trousers.

Praise works wonders

Potty training may take 3 to 6 months and can’t be rushed. There will be successes and slip ups along the way – having some good days and others not so is normal. It is important to avoid telling children off for the toilet training accidents.

Remember, dryness in the day comes earlier than dryness at night – it may take a year or two more to be dry every night.

Encourage your child to tell you when he / she needs the potty.
Praise and reward you child’s successes for example “well done”, “that’s fantastic”.
Using a reward chart is an excellent way to give your child a sense of success and keep him / her interested in using the potty.

If you are unsure or need more information, contact your health visitor for advice.

For more information call First Steps Psychological Service on 01782 425883.

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