Toddler Behavior Chart
My daughter is almost 3 years old and we work on behavior every day. Having a toddler can be really hard, dealing with the tantrums and trying to prevent meltdowns gets exhausting if you don’t have a positive reinforcement method. My daughter is very rewards driven and will do almost anything for a treat. This is what works for her, but I struggle to enact this discipline. I feel if I give her a treat every time she does something well, she begins to expect a reward and never behaves well just because she should. I also struggle with giving her treats sporadically because EVERY time she does something well, she still asks for a treat (I tell ya, she is very rewards driven) and then throws a tantrum if I say no, negating what she did well. Learning how best to discipline a child is a never ending challenge.
This week I put together a behavior chart. When we were potty training, I did a rewards chart that worked well for my daughter. I figured maybe we could repeat this rewards system every day. I used stickers, card stock, markers, and construction paper to create this chart.
I wanted the chart to show MEASURABLE progress. This way, she isn’t always asking for a treat because she can see exactly how many spaces she is from receiving one. I made it a racing style because when her brother gets a little older, hopefully they will compete a little bit on who can get a treat faster (behave the best).
Before writing the chart, I made a list of behavior expectations I have for my daughter. When I had determined which ones to include on the chart, I wrote them out. The top area I wrote bad behaviors that make her go backwards on the race track: sassing & talking back, forgetting to ask permission, hitting, pushing, & hurting others, not listening the first time (obeying commands immediately), and throwing a tantrum. The bottom area I wrote good behaviors she can do to race towards the finish line and receive a treat: help unload the dishes, pick up play things, share with playmates, help with another chore, stay off the road & hold hands by cars, and to go to bed without whining.
Lastly, I needed to make the cars that represent my son and daughter, Nick & Lily. I cut car shapes out of cardboard and traced them onto construction paper. Then I hot glued heavy magnets onto the backs. Overall, they’re pretty sturdy.
Each time one of my kids exhibits a good behavior listed on the bottom of the chart, their magnet car moves one yellow dash closer to the finish line. So, they have to do five good deeds before getting a treat. After attaching a couple more magnets to the back of the chart, it was ready to go up on the fridge.
So far, in the past five days, things are looking up. My daughter is very concerned with the chart and loves the idea of tangible measurements of how good or bad she is behaving that day. I love the fact that I now have another level of punishment (moving the car backwards) before yelling or time out is used. It makes it easier to avoid spanking, which I am trying to do.
Tell me, what do you think of my toddler behavior chart? Have you ever made one or saw a chart design that really rocked? Thanks for reading!
Oh my goodness what a great idea. I don’t have any children but I am going to try this for myself, I need to make one that is for my diet. like water, exercise – fruit- veggies -Then at the end of the week If I got all my cars to the finish line I can have a treet of choice. What do you think?
Bess,
Totally! It will work for you, especially if you are more rewards driven in personal motivation. I know I bribe myself with treats all the time. Lol. Thanks for leaving a comment!
Melissa
Awesome trying this with my 2.5 & 1.5 year old. They may be a little young but will see how we go ????
My son who just turned two now is definitely understanding the chart, so your 2.5 year old should get it!
Thanks for commenting!
Melissa
Awesome idea! I love this so much more than just giving stars . My son Mason can gage his own progress and the treats are working. Love it! Thank you
That is great to hear Melissa! You are welcome 🙂
Melissa