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Behavior Modification Charts Article
The Importance of Behavior Modification Charts
from: BJ BelmontBehavior Modification Charts are a very valuable tool for helping with behavior modification with children and young adults. When attempting to modify or change bad into good behavior, the first step that needs to be done is to determine which behavior will be dealt with first. Children that suffer from ADHD often have more than one behavior issue. If parents try to change too many bad behavior problems at one time, the child can become confused and frustrated, often causing failure or slowing down the process.
Usually when there is a serious behavior problem, parents seek the help of a therapist or child psychologist. The therapist or child psychologist will help the parents set up behavior modification charts to make it easier for the child and parent to work together towards the same goal. There are usually specific items that are on behavior modification charts. These may differ depending on what the problems are and what the reasons for the problem may be. Different reasons for poor behavior may be severe depression, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, mental retardation and others.
Behavior modification charts for child should list what types of behavior you expect and would like to see in the child. Many parents choose to use stars or stickers to signify good behavior. Each time the child does something that he or she is supposed to do, they get a star or sticker. At the beginning of the process on the behavior modification charts, there needs to be a final goal. The child needs to know that there is a "light at the end of the tunnel". For instance, if the child makes his bed every day for a week and gets five stars or stickers, he will get a reward. Rewards may be something small such as being allowed to stay up later or something bigger like a trip to the zoo.
Behavior modification charts may also list what some of the rewards are and how many stars or stickers they need to earn to reach that goal. You may also want to list certain values towards different behaviors or things well done. You may also list values on the rewards. The child also needs to understand that undesirable behavior will result in loss of stars or stickers they may have already earned.
It's very important that behavior modification charts be carefully explained to the child so they understand why you are using it and what is expected of them. It should be explained in a positive way so the child can look forward to earning rewards and privileges. Above all, always be consistent with the child and don't make changes to the behavior modification chart midstream just to make it easier on yourself or your child.