Help Parents Handle . . .
Behavior Modification Plans
Social Work Resource File
from the Social Work Program
at Southern Arkansas University
IV-E Academic Partnership in Social Welfare

A short-term behavior modification plan can break through a cycle of bad behavior in the child. Think of it as a learning tool to help the child move forward to a new level of social development. Four to six weeks on the behavior chart or chip plan is usually enough to change one or two specific behavior problems. At the very least, the child will have a clear understanding of your expectations for his behavior, even if he is not yet able to consistently maintain the desirable behavior.

Behavior Charts or Chips, Which Should You Use?

A poker chip system for changing behavior is easy and inexpensive. All you need is a box of poker chips and a package of the new disposable food containers. Introduce the plan in a positive way when you show the child the chips and let her personalize her box with markers and glitter. The poker chip system is effective because it encourages immediate consequences for positive and negative behavior.

A chart system is useful when chores or homework are the issues. Use daily stars or stickers for completed tasks with weekly rewards for good performance. Weekend privileges or rewards are clearly dependent on consistently responsible behavior through the week. Behavior charts make sense to kids, and they take pride in a full page of stickers showing their good behavior. Use your word processing software to make a behavior chart, or find some printable behavior charts on the Web.

Steps to the Behavior Modification Plan

  1. Make a list of desirable behaviors that your child needs to learn. If using a chip system, focus on one or two specific goals for intensive behavior change. Or, make a list of generally desirable behaviors, such as cooperation, honesty, kindness, and responsibility. Then, you decide when to reward the child with a chip when he exhibits these qualities. With a chart system, you can use a longer list of specific tasks or behaviors that earn a sticker.
  2. Make a list of undesirable behaviors that your child may exhibit. You will need this list to clearly identify the specific behaviors that will cause your child to lose chips ("fines"). This step is optional if you choose to use a chart system, or you wish to start a chip system using only positive reinforcement. Some examples of undesirable behaviors that could be fined are non-compliance with a parent's request, arguing, and tantrums.
  3. Make a list of privileges that your child can earn with chips or stickers. The list needs to include a variety of activities that your child enjoys.
  4. Assign values, in number of chips or stickers, for the identified behaviors and privileges. For the system to work effectively, the "rules" for behavior and rewards should be presented so that everyone clearly understands the plan. Small rewards, such as an hour of choosing her favorite TV programs, will usually cost one or two chips. The "price" is higher for larger rewards, such as dinner out with the family at the child's favorite restaurant. With a chart system, you can assign levels for different privileges. Earning all stickers every day for a week deserves a big reward. You keep the chart system motivating when you reward smaller privileges based on the number of stickers earned.
  5. Introduce the system to your child in a positive way. Most kids enjoy a behavioral system because it helps them know what is expected of them in a structured, but fun way. Explain that you want them to learn good behavior and habits, and this is a way to do it. Begin immediately, and reward chips and stickers generously. If your behaviors and privileges are not lining up fairly, or your child begins to manipulate the system, change it at the end of the week.
  6. Be consistent with the system for at least four weeks. If your child changes some behaviors immediately, continue to positively reinforce him for those behaviors, while adding one or two more challenges to his list of rewarded behaviors. After a few weeks on the chip system, take a break and observe your child's progress. You can start back when you recognize a problem. You can use a chart system indefinitely; the beginning of school or summer is a good time to start it.
Johnny needs to learn: When Johnny does this: He will receive:
To accept no for an answer When Mom or Dad tells him no, he says OK and does not argue. Also, Johnny must show a good attitude about it. 1 chip
To stop arguing when he doesn't get his way When a decision or instruction is given that Johnny does not like, he does not argue about it. 1 chip

5 Chips in one week = Silver Reward; 10 Chips in one week = Gold Reward

Johnny's Silver Rewards: Go to the store with Mom. Go to a friend's house on the weekend. Stay up late on Friday night. Choose dinner one evening.

Johnny's Gold Rewards: Rent a movie or video game from the video store. Go out for a special treat. Buy a new toy.

Printable Behavior Charts from the Web

Cute Behavior Chart for Young Kids Chart Jungle
Chore Charts Chart Jungle
Chores for Children Checklists Useful idea from My Parent Time
Simply Great Chore Chart The Youth Online Club
Nice Printable Charts Homeschool Forms on the Web
Free Child Training Resources ADHD of the Christian Kind
Print and Give Special Awards for Special Effort Very cute from Billy Bear's Playground

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