Sticker Charts for Behavior

  • The Sticker Chart is the classic delayed reward system for behavior adjustment in children starting at 3 years old.
    • Delayed reward systems are only effective for children 3 years and older.
  • The general idea is that you define several rules you want your child to follow, and if they follow the rules for some short period of time (one night, half a day, etc), then they get one sticker. If they obtain a specific number of stickers, then they get a prize.
    • This is a widely applicable tool that can be used for many different behaviors/rules.
      • Sleep rules
      • Good listening/following directions rules
      • Potty training rules
      • No fighting rules
      • Chores
  • While most caregivers are familiar with the concept in general, there are several common misconceptions that create pitfalls to avoid.

Decide on the Rules

  • Whatever behaviors you want to encourage or discourage can be turned into rules.
  • The primary caregivers should sit down ahead of time and decide on the rules together.
    • It's important that the caregivers have a real discussion about what rules to include, and that they agree on them.
    • This ensures the rules will be enforced consistently and equally by all caregivers.
  • Unlike choosing the reward (discussed below), the caregivers make the rules together and without "a vote" from the child.
  • Of course, the rules should be reasonable and based on the child's age and abilities.
    • For example, if the rule "always pee/poop in the potty" isn't possible at first, it doesn't set them up for success.
      • However, a rule like "After meals/snacks, sit on the potty for X minutes (where X = their age)" is more likely to be followed successfully.

Making the Sticker Chart and List of Rules

  • Get your child excited a day two before by telling them you have a fun arts and crafts activity you want to do with them.
  • Gather two pieces of construction paper and decoration supplies (markers/crayons, stickers, glitter, sequins, paint, etc).
  • On one piece of paper create the sticker chart
  • On the other piece of paper you write down the rules
    • Write the title at the top: [Child's name]'s [Behavior] Rules
      • e.g. Grace's Sleep Rules
    • Number and write down each rule
      • 1. Stay in bed until the sun wakes up/the color on the alarm clock turns green
      • 2. Close your eyes
      • 3. Stay quiet
      • 4. Try to sleep
    • Find pictures of people following each rule together (cut out from magazines or printed from internet) and glue them next to each rule
  • Decorate the sticker chart and the sleep rules together with your child, and follow their lead in decorating however they choose
    • This creates additional buy in from them
    • The more colorful and dramatic it is, the more motivational it will be
  • Put the sticker chart and rules in a prominent location where your child will see and be reminded of the rules and the reward they're working toward.

Determine the Reward

  • Choosing the right reward is crucial to the success of the reward system, and the most common pitfall for caregivers.
  • The reward must be something your child is motivated to work toward, or they will lose interest in following the rules.
  • Let your child suggest several options (or decide on the options yourself), but it's very important to let your child choose from the options in order to create buy in.
  • The reward does not need to be something that costs money (though it can be).
    • What it must be, however, is something the child wants.
    • Non-monetary based examples to get you thinking
      • Special one-on-one time (completely uninterrupted) with one of the parents
        • Doing an activity of their choosing
        • Playing with a toy of their choosing
        • Trip to a special location with one of the parents
      • Popcorn party and movie night
  • Remember, the reward is not the sticker.
    • The reward is what they receive after obtaining a certain number of stickers

How Long Before They Get a Sticker?

  • This will depend on the nature of the rules/behaviors, as well as your child's age.
  • The period of time should not be longer than a full day, but a half day may be required (especially in the early going) in order to keep your child's attention.
    • e.g. following the rules in the morning rewards one sticker after lunch, following the rules in the afternoon/evening rewards a second sticker after dinner or before bed.
    • For sleep rules, the sticker is given in the morning if the rules were followed the previous night.

How Many Stickers Equals the Prize?

  • If this number is too high, you risk losing their attention/motivation.
  • A good starting point is to make this number equal to your child's age.
    • e.g. 3 stickers gets the prize for a 3 year-old. 5 stickers for a 5 year-old.
  • Monitor your child's response over time.
    • This number may need to be adjusted periodically (up or down) in order to maintain their attention/motivation

The Sticker Chart in Action

  • At the beginning of each sticker period, review the rules by naming them out loud, remind them of the exciting prize, and update them on their current progress toward the goal (how many stickers they have and need).
  • Incorporate this into your child's standard daily routine.
    • e.g. review of "sleep rules" as part of nightly bedtime routine. Review of "good helper" rules as part of daily morning routine.
  • Catch them being good!
    • When you see them following the rules, praise them with a verbal reward, and remind them of the excitement of getting the sticker and the ultimate prize.
  • Do your best to avoid withholding a sticker.
    • Give warnings for not following the rules, and remind them of the ultimate prize.
      • e.g. "I see you are doing X, but you know the rule is Y. I'm really excited for our popcorn party together, so please follow the rules so we have our popcorn party together."
    • Redirect them toward following the rules.
    • Enforce short periods of alone time (e.g. time-outs) for them to cool down and reflect on their behavior, while also reminding them of the rules and the prize
  • If your attempts are not successful, follow through on withholding the sticker.
    • Let them know you're sad they can't get a sticker this time, but you're confident they'll be successful next time.