A Behavior Checklist

By the time your child reaches the elementary school age, she is ready to take on more responsibility. Follow the child behavior checklist below to help point your child in the right direction.

Child Behavior Checklist

Children thrive on routine. During the elementary years, you can create routines and printable behavior charts for everything from handling breakfast and homework to brushing teeth each night before bed. Make use of printable charts, especially those that provide kids with some sort of reward designed to keep her motivated.

• At this age, your child is ready for you to have a chat with her about expectations. Let her know what type of behavior you expect and what the consequences are if she does not follow the rules. A points and reward system is a great way to keep track of how well she is doing.
• It is important to always be consistent. This is especially true when it comes to handling rewards and consequences. Be patient, though. Behavior won't change overnight; it takes time.
• Kids do much better learning from parents who are positive and avoid harsh discipline.
• Set a good example by being a good role model for your child. Kids pay attention and generally do that which their parents do.
• Keep the lines of communication open. Your child needs to know that she can come to you if there are issues or problems that need to be addressed.
• Teach your child how to handle anger so that it doesn't handle her. You can teach her to do things like breathing exercises, journaling, etc. You can also use something like a behavior reflection sheet to show her how to use past behavior in a positive way.
• If there is a behavior that you would like to change, use a reward system to get it done. Setting up a reward charts system is a great way to help avoid power struggles as you get your child to change her behavior.
• Kids at the elementary school age are ready to take on some chores and responsibility. You can help her be successful in doing this by using a chore chart.

Children at this age thrive on routine, rewards, and consistency. Using charts is one of the easiest ways to help keep your child on track and avoid power struggles.