Behavior charts, chore charts, and token economies are all tools that parents can use to help their children learn good habits and develop a work ethic.
A behavior chart is a visual way to help children learn good behavior. Each day, the child’s parent or guardian records what the child did good and what the child did bad. The chart can be a poster or a chart on a wall. The child can see his or her progress over time.
A chore chart is a visual way to help children learn how to do chores. Each night, the child’s parent or guardian lists what the child has to do the following day. The child can see his or her progress over time.
A token economy is a system for rewarding good behavior. The child collects tokens (usually small pieces of plastic or paper) for doing things such as following directions, cleaning up after himself or herself, or doing chores. When the child has collected enough tokens, he or she can spend them on something special such as a game, an ice cream, or a movie.
All three of these tools can be very helpful in helping children learn good habits and develop a work ethic. Behavior charts, chore charts, and token economies can be used as part of a whole-family approach to teaching good behavior.