Improving Children’s Behavior: How To Use The Sticker Chart Method (And Other Reward-Based Systems)
Tiny gold, silver, blue, red and green shiny stars might be a hallmark of many people's childhoods. From learning how to go to the bathroom, to earning an allowance, getting a quick sticker on the chart was—for many children—a comprehensive breakdown of their ability to listen to commands, obey authority and earn rewards as a result.
Were these systems effective, though, or did they have lasting psychological effects?
Read on to learn more about reward-based behavioral modification, and how your child can benefit from it.
Reward-based behavior modification
A reward-based behavior modification system is generally defined as any system that might be created to alter a child's behavior with the promise of a reward. Some reward systems can offer small rewards, as is the case with a sticker chart, while other systems can provide larger and more tangible rewards—such as promising money for good grades or promising a teenager a car in response to demonstrating behavior the parent deems appropriate.
For example: A child might get a sticker for listening in class, or may receive a toy at the end of a doctor's appointment for sitting still during an examination.
Proponents of reward-based systems have suggested that they can be developmentally appropriate, as many things in life might function on the premise of receiving a reward. When executed correctly and in a healthy way, this parenting technique can be effective for some.
Do these systems work?
The answer to this question can be far more complex and convoluted than a simple "yes" or "no." Children can all differ greatly in what motivates and excites them. Using child-specific reward-based systems is what many might find to yield the best result.
Mental and emotional health
An important factor in determining whether or not these systems will work can be a child's mental or emotional health status. Children who have experienced behavioral, mood, developmental or cognitive disorders may struggle with the mechanisms involved in a reward system for several reasons. First, some may have difficulty with communication, focus, comprehension, and pattern recognition. These elements can be important to grasp for understanding and participating in personal reward systems.
Additionally, emotional maturity can also be an important element of the equation to evaluate, as this can dictate the efficacy of the approach.
If you’re not sure if your child is a strong candidate for this technique, you can always ask their medical care team, psychologist, or other people in the child’s life. Their input can be valuable to you as you determine the best way to raise your child.
Potential pitfalls
There are some considerations that many parents might evaluate as they determine if reward-based systems are the right choice for their child.
Some child psychologists have argued that reward-based systems may not be the healthiest option for some children, hypothesizing that it can teach children that their parents' love, affection and attention can be conditional.
This type of reward system can also lead to an unstable emotional environment for children and can result in mental health concerns down the road that may require professional intervention.
The inconsistency of the modality’s efficacy can be another common pitfall for those using this method. What might work one day for a child may not work at all for the next several weeks, possibly resulting in both frustrated parents and children.
Reward-based systems, then, can require a near-daily re-evaluation and may require parents to constantly come up with bigger, better rewards to keep a child's interest. Such a mindset can encourage a consumerist or materialistic belief system in children, which some parents may wish to avoid.
Finally, opponents have argued that these systems might teach children to consider and value their behavior for the reward it will bring alone, rather than learning the value of kind, preferable behavior as a foregone conclusion as they mature. Proponents of this argument may believe that if rewards are removed, children's negative behaviors might return immediately until a new reward is offered—possibly creating a cycle that can perpetuate into adulthood.
Reward systems to consider
If you’re considering using a reward system in your family management and parenting strategy, you might consider looking into any of the following sub-types below:
Regional intervention programs—RIP
An example of a state-run reward-based behavior program is the Regional Intervention Program (RIP). This program was generally developed for families living with children experiencing intense behavioral problems, working to offer parents alternative strategies to positively interact with their children.
RIP is thought by many to feature the notion of using affection and attention as reinforcers, generally instructing parents to "turn attention off" when undesirable behavior is engaged. Conversely, they do recommend offering attention and praise when ideal behavior is engaged—possibly to encourage this behavior in the future.
We do want to note: This system does not reward withtangibleobjects but with praise and attention.
Sticker charts
Sticker charts might be the most encouraged reward-based behavioral program option available. Many child psychologists and childhood developmental specialists generally encourage parents to use sticker charts for all manner of things, including grades, toilet training, and cleaning.
Sticker charts usually offer stickers for good behavior, which can add up to a larger prize. This system can be implemented at home, in schools, and in other social settings with limited financial or logistical barriers (in most cases).
Effectiveness of reward-based systems
Many have found evidence to support that reward-based behavior modification can be effective for some, as children may work to improve behavior when offered rewards for complying with demands.
One example of efficacy using this method can be the increase in reading following schools giving out food and treat vouchers as a reward via the nationally implemented BookIt! program.
Ongoing research has also found details that support the notion that reward-based systems can be especially powerful when paired with the teaching that the student is in control of their destiny, be it learning-oriented, personal development-oriented, or otherwise. When the modality is paired with the teaching of autonomy, many might find a greater intrinsic motivation style developed across youth of all ages.
How can online therapy help parents guide their children
Are you experiencing difficulty with your child's behavior? Online therapy can be successful both for children and parents, helping them work through concerns that can create strife at home.
Therapists at BetterHelp can offer support to individuals and families. Considered by many to be both affordable and convenient, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist who can meet with you at a time that works for your schedule—and your sessions can take place in the comfort of your home.
Is online therapy effective?
In a recent meta-analysis including over 60+ studies, researchers found details that suggest that online therapy offers comparable gains to what you’d see in in-person intervention, supporting many in healing from the effects of depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. This can be especially important for parents who are looking to parent their children well despite their previous experiences, possibly helping them to operate from a healthier, more psychologically aware place during disciplinary moments.
Takeaway
To encourage reading, for instance, offering a reward (a sticker on a chart, which leads to a greater reward), and allowing the child to choose a book that interests them can use reward-based systems and natural consequences to instill a love of reading in children.
If you’re looking for extra support, online therapy can help. BetterHelp can connect you with an online therapist in your area of need.
Do sticker charts work in preschool?
Using a sticker chart for kids can be effective in promoting positive behavior in preschool settings when implemented thoughtfully and consistently. The use of sticker charts is based on the principles of positive reinforcement, where desired behaviors are reinforced with a visual reward (such as a sticker) to encourage their repetition.
How do you use a sticker chart for toddlers?
Using a sticker chart for toddlers involves simplifying the process and making it age-appropriate. Toddlers are at an early stage of development, and their understanding of concepts like rewards and consequences is limited. Here are 10 tips for effectively using a sticker chart with toddlers:
- Simple and Clear Goals: Define very simple and clear behavioral goals that are age-appropriate. Focus on behaviors that are easy for toddlers to understand and achieve, such as sharing a toy, using polite words, or cleaning up toys.
- Use Visuals: Toddlers respond well to visuals. Use a visual representation of the sticker chart, such as a simple poster with spaces for stickers. You can draw or print pictures of the targeted behaviors next to each space. You may be able to download, print, and laminate fully printable reward charts to fit your needs.
- Immediate Reinforcement: Provide immediate reinforcement when the toddler exhibits the desired behavior. Use enthusiastic praise and place a sticker on the chart right away. Toddlers have a limited attention span, so immediate reinforcement helps them link the behavior with the reward.
- Short Sessions: Keep sticker chart sessions short and focused. Toddlers may lose interest quickly, so make the process brief and engaging. Celebrate small achievements with stickers and praise.
- Choose Age-Appropriate Stickers: Toddlers often enjoy colorful and tactile stickers, or stickers with a unicorn or dinosaur. Choose age-appropriate stickers that are easy for them to handle. Stickers with simple shapes, animals, or familiar objects are generally appealing to toddlers.
- Involve Them in the Process: Allow toddlers to be involved in the sticker chart process. Let them choose the stickers, and involve them in placing the stickers on the chart. This promotes a sense of ownership and engagement.
- Use Concrete Language: When discussing the sticker chart with toddlers, use concrete and simple language. Clearly state the behavior you are reinforcing and connect it to the reward. For example, say, "You shared your toy! Great job! Here's a sticker!"
- Be Patient and Positive: Toddlers are still developing self-control and understanding of expectations. Be patient and maintain a positive attitude. Focus on encouraging efforts and progress rather than perfection.
- Consistency is Key: Consistency is crucial for the effectiveness of the sticker chart. Be consistent in reinforcing the targeted behaviors and follow that up by using the sticker chart. Toddlers thrive on routine and predictability.
- Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate achievements with excitement. When the toddler fills a certain number of spaces on the chart, celebrate the accomplishment. This can be a small, special activity or additional praise.
At what age do kids understand sticker charts?
The age at which kids understand and can effectively engage with sticker charts varies widely from child to child. Generally, children start to grasp the concept of sticker charts between the ages of 2 to 3 years old, and their understanding typically continues to develop as they grow.
How do you use a sticker reward chart?
Using a sticker reward chart involves implementing a systematic approach to reinforce positive behaviors and encourage the achievement of specific goals. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively use a sticker reward chart at your house:
- Identify Clear and Achievable Goals: Clearly define the behaviors or goals you want to encourage. Make them specific, measurable, and achievable. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps.
- Create or Choose a Chart: Design or find a printable reward that represents the goals and provides space for stickers. You can create one using a poster board, draw a simple chart on paper, or find printable templates online. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-made reward chart.
- Discuss the Chart with the Child: Introduce the sticker chart to the child in a positive and engaging manner. Explain the purpose of the chart and how earning stickers is associated with positive behaviors and accomplishments. Keep the explanation age-appropriate.
- Involve the Child in the Process: Allow the child to participate in the creation of the chart. Let them choose stickers that appeal to them or decorate the chart. This involvement enhances their ownership and engagement.
- Set Up a Reward System: Determine the number of stickers needed to achieve a reward. Decide on a meaningful reward that motivates the child. It could be a small treat, additional playtime, a special activity, or anything that aligns with the child's interests.
- Reinforce Positive Behaviors: When the child exhibits the targeted behavior or achieves a goal, immediately praise their effort and place a sticker on the chart. Be specific in acknowledging what they did well.
What are the positives of sticker charts?
Sticker charts can offer several positive benefits, especially in the context of behavior management, creating a desired change, reinforcement, and goal-setting for children. Here are some of the positives associated with the use of sticker charts:
- Positive Reinforcement
- Visual Representation of Progress
- Goal Setting
- Boosts Self-Esteem
- Teaches Responsibility
- Promotes Consistency
- Parent-Child Communication
- Develops Executive Functioning Skills
- Motivates Reluctant Learners
- Encourages Positive Behavior at Home and School
- Teaches Delayed Gratification
While sticker charts have positive aspects, it's essential to use them in conjunction with other positive parenting strategies and not solely rely on external rewards. Combining positive reinforcement with clear communication, modeling, and a supportive environment creates a well-rounded approach to fostering positive behavior in children.
What do children learn from stickers?
Sticker charts are a tool often used for behavior management and positive reinforcement with children. Here's what children can learn from the use of sticker charts:
- Cause and Effect: Sticker charts provide a clear connection between a child's behavior and its consequences. Positive behaviors lead to earning stickers, reinforcing the cause-and-effect relationship.
- Goal Setting: Sticker charts allow children to set and achieve goals. They learn to work towards a specific target, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, achievable steps.
- Responsibility: Children learn that their actions have consequences. Positive behaviors are rewarded with stickers, reinforcing a sense of responsibility for their choices.
- Delayed Gratification: Sticker charts introduce the concept of delayed gratification. Children learn that by consistently displaying positive behaviors over time, they can earn rewards.
- Self-Discipline: Using sticker charts encourages self-discipline. Children learn to regulate their behavior to achieve goals and earn rewards.
- Motivation: Sticker charts can serve as a motivational tool. Children are motivated to earn stickers and rewards by exhibiting positive behaviors or completing tasks.
What is the benefit of stickers for toddlers?
Sticker charts for toddlers can offer several benefits, particularly in terms of behavior management, skill development, and positive reinforcement. Here are some of the advantages of using sticker charts for toddlers:
- Positive Reinforcement: Sticker charts operate on the principle of positive reinforcement. When toddlers exhibit positive behaviors or achieve specific goals, they earn stickers as a reward. This positive reinforcement encourages the repetition of desired behaviors.
- Behavior Management: Sticker charts provide a structured way to manage and encourage positive behaviors in toddlers. By setting clear expectations and rewarding positive actions, parents and caregivers can promote a positive and cooperative environment.
- Goal Setting: Sticker charts allow toddlers to set and achieve goals. Whether it's completing a task, following a routine, or displaying specific behaviors, toddlers learn to work towards achievable objectives.
- Visual Representation of Progress: Sticker charts offer a visual representation of a toddler's progress. As they earn stickers, toddlers can see their accomplishments, fostering a sense of achievement and motivation.
- Introduction to Routine: Sticker charts can introduce toddlers to the concept of routine. Whether it's a daily routine or a specific behavior routine, the consistent use of sticker charts helps establish predictability and structure.
- Fine Motor Skills Development: The act of peeling stickers and placing them on the chart requires fine motor skills. Toddlers enhance their hand-eye coordination, finger control, and dexterity through these activities.
Why sticker charts don’t work in the classroom?
While sticker charts can be effective in certain contexts, including home settings or with individual children, they may not always work as intended in a classroom environment. Several factors contribute to why sticker charts might be less effective or face challenges in a classroom setting:
- Complex Classroom Dynamics: Classrooms are dynamic environments with diverse personalities, learning styles, and behavioral challenges. What works for one student may not work for another, making it challenging to implement a one-size-fits-all approach like sticker charts.
- Peer Comparison and Competition: In a classroom, students are often aware of each other's behaviors and achievements. Sticker charts may inadvertently foster unhealthy competition or comparison among students, leading to peer-related issues.
- Limited Individualization: Sticker charts are often designed for individual use, and the same chart may not cater to the unique needs and challenges of each student in a classroom. Tailoring charts to individual students can be logistically challenging for teachers.
- Short-Term Focus: Sticker charts are typically short-term reinforcement tools. In a classroom, where learning and behavior management are ongoing processes, the short-term nature of sticker charts may not provide sustained motivation for all students.
- Overemphasis on External Rewards: Relying too heavily on external rewards, such as stickers, can potentially undermine the development of intrinsic motivation. Students may become more focused on earning stickers than on the inherent value of learning or positive behavior.
Should teachers use sticker charts?
The use of sticker charts in the classroom is a decision that depends on various factors, and opinions on their effectiveness may vary among educators. Sticker charts may be more useful in younger classrooms when students are still learning how to be successful and value external motivation. However, in older classrooms, external motivations such as stickers may not be as effective. In older classrooms, intrinsic student motivation may be the most impactful way to motivate students.
Are stickers OK for 2-year-olds?
Stickers can be suitable for 2-year-olds, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure their safety and age-appropriateness:
- Size of Stickers: Choose stickers that are large enough to avoid becoming a choking hazard. Small stickers or those with intricate details may not be suitable for very young children.
- Ease of Peeling: Opt for stickers that are easy for toddlers to peel off. Stickers with a backing that can be easily removed help develop fine motor skills.
- Non-Toxic Materials: Ensure that the stickers are made from non-toxic materials, as toddlers may explore them with their mouths. Check product labels and choose stickers that are safe for oral contact.
- Supervision: Always supervise toddlers when they are using stickers. This is important to prevent them from putting stickers in their mouths or using them inappropriately.
- Sticker Play Surface: Provide a suitable surface for sticker play, such as large paper or cardboard. This makes it easier for toddlers to manage the stickers and allows for creative expression.
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