Behavior Chart Activity

Children test their limits through a desire to assert their independence and control their environment. This activity allows you to use limit setting to teach, rather than punish. When confronted with a power struggle involving your child, it is important to offer choices with consequences.

Activity Instructions:

Write out the following checklist to help you stay consistent when setting appropriate limits for your children:

• Explain what behavior of your child's is inappropriate.
• Explain why the behavior is inappropriate.
• Offer choices, with a consequence that the child ultimately chooses. You can't force decisions on your child, but you can determine the consequences for your child's decisions.
• Allow time for the child to consider their choices and make a decision.
• Enforce the appropriate consequences. Be sure to follow through; otherwise, setting limits won't work.
• Award points for achieving behaviors. Track your points online and come up with creative rewards to redeem with their points.

Materials:

• Behavior Chart
• Journal or notebook (to record your checklist and keep track of success)

Outcome:

You will gain confidence as a parent, armed with effective tools for setting limits for your children.