Have a discipline problem
that needs a fresh approach? Learn when, how, and why this
technique works! Appropriate for grades: K,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Charting: Discipline That Works!
Have you tried all your usual discipline techniques to solve a
problem with your child and nothing's worked? Using a
chart may be just the fresh approach you need, according to
Penny Hutchins Paquette and Cheryl Gerson Tuttle, co-authors of
Parenting a Child with a Behavior Problem (Lowell House Books).
When It Works: Keeping a chart, with stickers or stars to mark
behavioral improvements, works well with chronic problems, like
whining or messy rooms, that drive parents crazy. Among other
things, Penny
Paquette notes, charting teaches delayed gratification, "that
you don't automatically get things because you're cute, but
because you earned it and waited for it." In terms of
effectiveness, charts and time-outs are polar opposites: Time
out doesn't work when you use it all the time, while charts
never work unless you do!
Why It Works: A chart is a "visual cue" for kids; they don't
just hear complaints or praise, they can
actually see change. It's a way to get them involved in the
discipline strategy; they can help make the
chart or perhaps choose a reward.
When It Doesn't Work: Keeping
a chart can be a difficult task for kids with attention
difficulties; lots of
parental involvement is needed. Parents also need to assess
their own schedules; if you start a chart and don't have time to
keep it up, it undercuts the message that behavioral change is
important. Finally, don't start 17 charts. Your child may whine,
leave dirty socks lying around, and forget to do his homework,
but focus on just one behavior problem at a time.
Caution: Don't promise a trip to Disney World in return for a
semester's worth of completed homework assignments. Even Pokemon
cards or candy bars are the wrong incentives, Paquette and
Tuttle believe. The authors urge parents to use "gifts of time"
to reward kids for good behavior. A family Monopoly tournament
or a prized half-hour extension on bedtime send kids the
message, "When you behave nicely, I want to be with you." If
there are no behavioral improvements within a week, the chart is
probably not having its intended effect.
Links for Behavior
Issues:
Positive Discipline
How to
Handle 117 Misbehaviors
