Top tips for using reward charts

It is best to focus on one behaviour at a time, for example tidying up their toys every day before they go to bed.

You could make the chart with your child using paints and colourful paper and you can let them decide what their reward should be. You could put pictures of the rewards on the chart to help them remember. Or you could use a puzzle as your chart and give your child one piece at a time to build it. You can download our Parenting. Give it time Star Chart or there are also lots of reward charts to download free online.

For example, if they achieve 8 stickers by the end of the week, they can have a friend over for tea or go to their favourite park. Try not to use sweet treats as a reward but instead think of free and fun activities that you child likes to do, like jumping in puddles or blowing bubbles. 

For example, “Please pick up all the toy cars and put them in the basket” is clearer than “Tidy your toys away”. 

Older children may prefer this to be in their bedroom. 

Give your child specific praise so your child knows why they’re getting the sticker or token. For example, “I liked the way you shared your toys with Tom this morning. Here’s a sticker for your chart”.

Praise your child for their good behaviour however big or small. Remember, you don’t need to wait for your child to do something perfectly, decide what is achievable. Don’t threaten to remove stickers and don’t remove stickers for problem behaviour as consequences for this would need to be dealt with separately.

These don’t need to be expensive gifts. If there is too much time between the sticker and the reward, your child might lose interest or motivation. If the chart isn’t working, don’t worry, try something else.