Our Family's Behavior Management System

My family's behavior management system is a two fold system that rewards helpful behavior while disciplining the bad.  Not only has it proven to be very successful with my children, it is also extremely simple to implement!

The dreaded board!

As you see, I made the first part of my behavior management system out of paper, a clipboard, and a clothespin for each child.  I actually plan on printing off one on cardstock when this paper finally rips, but its simple set up was perfect for me to try it out with the kids, and see what their reaction would be.

Everyday the two older kids (Curls has a clip, but does not move it yet as he's still too young.) move their clips to the "Start" section at the top of the board.  The rest of the board is divided into differing levels of discipline.  "Warning" is just reminding the child to stop and think about their behavior and try a little harder.  If the bad behavior continues, "Time Out" is a 10 minute quiet break in their room.  The "No Screentime" level means all screens (tv, computer, video games, cell phones) are taken away for the remainder of the day.  Finally, if the bad behavior did not let up, there is the last level "Go To Bed Early" which is just as it implies.  In the event that one of the kids makes it to the last level, they automatically lose screen time for the following day. 

When the kids fight, which siblings are known to do...(and often!)

They are told to move their clips.

This is most often enough to get the children to keep their attitude and behavior in check.



The second part of our behavior management system is the rewarding part.

My older two each have a jar that starts out empty every Sunday morning on our kitchen counter.  Anytime they are extra helpful around the house above and beyond their regular chores without my asking, they get a pom in their jar.

The helpfulness can be a cleaning chore (most easily pictured for this post!) or being helpful with a self esteem boost for their sibling.  We are working together as a whole to use more 'put-ups' in our home, and every genuine, sincere put up I hear earns that child a pom.

On Saturday night every week, the children count out and return their poms to me in exchange for a nickel each.  I don't believe in huge monetary rewards, especially for chores and behavior, but a few dimes every week doesn't really classify as huge...it's just a little something to put in their piggy banks for a rainy day.

I created this system by borrowing from a few different ideas, including my discipline system when I taught prekinders, and a 'good behavior' jar.  It has worked out very well at home and was easy to implement with the kids, who were already used to this same type of systems while in school.  I love that it is simple to set up and understand, and that it is so easily customizable!  If your kids are having some trouble getting along, maybe this will work for you!