What It Means
A sticker chart is a simple reward chart for a young child: each time the child does one of the behaviors on the chart, they get a sticker right away, and a set number of stickers earns a small reward or a bigger one. It's the most basic home version of a token economyToken economyA reward system where a person earns tokens, like stars or points, for target behaviors and trades them for chosen rewards. See more, with each sticker working as a token. CDC suggests keeping it to a couple of behaviors, drawn with pictures and simple words the child understands.
Try It: Plan Your Sticker Chart's Reward Targets
Set the numbers for your own chart. The starting values are an example, not a rule.
A small reward lands within the week and the bigger one within 7 days of full effort, the daily and weekly rhythm HealthyChildren.org suggests.
A reward sits more than a week away even on a perfect run. For a young child, try a lower target.
How Parents Say It
- "Two more stickers and you get to pick the story."
- "Let's put your sticker on the chart right now."
- "She's so proud of her star chart."
The Breakdown
Worked example. A 4-year-old's chart has two behaviors, with a picture for each:
| Setting | Example |
|---|---|
| Behaviors | Pajamas on by 7:30; teeth brushed without a fuss |
| Stickers possible each day | 2 |
| Most stickers in a week | 14 |
| Small reward | 5 stickers: an extra bedtime storyUser storyA short description of something a product should do, written from the point of view of the person who needs it, often in the form "As a, I want, so that." See more |
| Bigger reward | 12 stickers: a morning at the park with a parent |
| Days to the bigger reward on a perfect run | 6 |
The numbers are an example. What matters, per CDC, is that the sticker goes on the chart right after the behavior, with the child watching, along with praise that names what they did.
What your result means. If the bigger reward takes more than a week even on a perfect run, a young child may lose track of it. HealthyChildren.org suggests small rewards at the end of each day or week and larger ones for a longer stretch or a larger total.
By age. CDC's guide is for children 2 to 4, and HealthyChildren.org says tokens such as paper stars tend to work better for early school-age children, with points and contracts for older kids.
Good to Know
CDC says never to take away a sticker or reward your child has already earned, even after later misbehavior. Rewards don't have to cost money: CDC lists hugs, praise and extra time with you as rewards that can be stronger than toys. HealthyChildren.org (AAP) advises letting your child help pick the rewards, avoiding penalties and demerits, and phasing the chart out once your child forgets to ask for stickers. CDC has a free printable "My Reward Chart."
FAQ
At what age do sticker charts work?
CDC's rewards guidance is written for children 2 to 4 and suggests a chart with pictures and simple words. HealthyChildren.org says tokens like paper stars also suit early school-age children.
Should I take stickers away for bad behavior?
No. CDC says rewards your child has earned are theirs and shouldn't be removed for misbehavior, and HealthyChildren.org advises avoiding penalties and demerits.
How many behaviors should go on a sticker chart?
CDC suggests picking a couple of specific behaviors, worded as what you want to see, such as "Share your toys." You can change them as your child grows.
Do It in Buhata
Household Rewards
Add the chart's two behaviors as chores in Household Rewards in Buhata, counted in stickers, so every adult in the Household keeps the same tally.
Open BuhataRelated Terms and Categories
- Token economy
A reward system where a person earns tokens, like stars or points, for target behaviors and trades them for chosen rewards.
- Descriptive praise
Praise that names exactly what the child did well, such as "You put every block back in the bin," in place of a general "Good job."
- Routine chart
A chart, often with pictures, listing the steps of one routine in order, such as getting ready for school or bed, that a child checks off as they go.
Sources
CDC, "Tips for Using Rewards," Essentials for Parenting Toddlers; CDC, "Tips for Using Praise and Rewards," Essentials for Parenting Toddlers; CDC, "My Reward Chart"; HealthyChildren.org (AAP), "Positive Reinforcement Through Rewards"
- www.cdc.gov/parenting-toddlers/discipline-consequences/using-rewards.html
- www.cdc.gov/parenting-toddlers/responding-to-behavior/using-rewards.html
- www.cdc.gov/parenting-toddlers/media/pdfs/My-Reward-Chart_PDF.pdf
- www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/Positive-Reinforcement-Through-Rewards.aspx
Last updated .