Whenever I walk into a preschool or early elementary classroom and see a Behavior Chart, I cringe. One child who couldn’t control her impulses went home crushed because her name ended up on “red.” Another child was reminded that he wasn’t good enough for his teacher. And a child went home with a stomachache and began to hate school. The Behavior Chart is a reminder that the child’s hard work to control impulses and learn to self-regulate was a “failure” in the eyes of the teacher or parent. This resource article explores why it’s time to stop using Behavior Flip Charts, the unintended harm they can cause, and alternative strategies that foster positive behavior while building emotional resilience.
Why Behavior Charts Don’t Work
Many parents and teachers have asked, “Do Behavior Charts work?” These charts, such as “color” charts with green, yellow, and red sections, might seem like a simple way to manage classroom or household behavior. However, they come with significant drawbacks that can hinder rather than help children’s emotional and social development. Let’s explore the key reasons why it’s time to stop using behavior flip charts.
They Label Behavior, But Don’t Help Change It
While Behavior Charts call attention to unwanted behaviors, they fail to teach children the tools they need to self-regulate or improve. A child who struggles with impulse control or emotional outbursts may repeatedly see their name move to “red” without understanding how to make better choices.
What children need instead are strategies to cope with strong emotions, manage frustration, and solve problems. For instance, teaching a child to take deep breaths, identify their feelings, or seek help when overwhelmed builds lifelong skills—not just compliance in the moment. A chart alone doesn’t provide these tools and can leave children feeling stuck in a cycle of failure.
They Unfairly Target Kinesthetic, Physical Kids
Behavior Charts disproportionately affect children with higher physical energy levels, who may find it harder to sit still or follow instructions. These are often Kinesthetic, physical kids who naturally learn and express themselves through movement and may struggle in traditional classroom settings.
Boys, in particular, are more likely to be labeled as “problematic” on these charts simply because their energy levels clash with expectations. This creates an environment where children are penalized for traits that are a normal part of their development, rather than supported in channeling their energy positively.
They Undermine Trust in the Child-Caregiver Relationship
When a child sees their name repeatedly on “yellow” or “red,” it can erode their sense of trust and safety with their teacher, parent, or caregiver. Instead of viewing adults as allies who guide them through challenges, they may come to see them as judges who only focus on their mistakes.
Building trust involves showing empathy, providing constructive feedback, and reinforcing the idea that every child is valued—none of which are achieved through a Behavior Chart. Without this trust, it becomes harder for children to seek help or communicate openly about their struggles.
They Embarrass and Shame Children Publicly
Publicly displaying a child’s behavior on a chart can lead to feelings of humiliation and shame, particularly when the entire class or family is aware of their “status.” This kind of negative attention can lower a child’s self-esteem and make them dread school or home routines.
No child benefits from being shamed in front of peers. Instead, addressing behavioral challenges privately and constructively allows for growth without the added pressure of public scrutiny.
They Create Stress for All Children, Even Those on “Green”
Children who consistently stay on “green” may still experience stress as they watch their friends move to “yellow” or “red.” This dynamic fosters an environment of fear and competition, rather than one of cooperation and mutual support.
The stress of maintaining “perfect” behavior can weigh heavily on children, leading to anxiety and burnout. Meanwhile, those who struggle feel alienated from their peers, creating a divide that harms social relationships and classroom cohesion.
Just imagine your boss putting you on “red” when you’ve had a bad day. No one wants their bad days posted in the break room, watched closely by their colleagues. Instead of creating a supportive workplace community, you would breed fear and resentment. I would certainly be looking for new employment if my behavior was rated publicly every day.
Stop Using Behavior Flip Charts: Better Alternatives
If Behavior Charts don’t work, what can teachers and parents do instead? The key is to focus on strategies that encourage respectful and cooperative behavior while also teaching children valuable life skills. Here are five alternatives to stop using Behavior Flip Charts and create a more supportive learning environment.
Set High Expectations that are Individualized for Every Child
Every child is unique, with different strengths, challenges, and learning styles. Setting one standard of behavior for all children ignores these differences and can set some up for failure. Instead, it’s important to set high but individualized expectations based on each child’s needs and developmental stage.
For example, a child with high energy may need movement breaks, while a child struggling to manage strong emotions may need additional guidance on handling frustration. By meeting children where they are and providing appropriate support, we create an environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed. Comment end
Teach Problem-Solving Skills for Lifelong Conflict Resolution
Behavior Charts don’t teach children why their actions were inappropriate or how to resolve conflicts. Instead of relying on punitive systems, focus on helping children develop problem-solving skills they can carry into adulthood.
Encourage children to talk through disagreements, listen to others’ perspectives, and brainstorm solutions together. For example, if two children are arguing over a toy, guide them in taking turns, finding an alternative, or working together. These moments of guided problem-solving build the foundation for emotional intelligence and healthy relationships.
By moving away from Behavior Charts and implementing these positive discipline strategies, parents and educators can create environments that foster cooperation, self-regulation, and lifelong problem-solving skills. Children thrive when they feel supported, not shamed.
Ready to Stop Using Behavior Flip Charts?
It’s time to move beyond Behavior Charts and toward a more thoughtful, responsive approach to guiding children’s behavior. When children feel safe, valued, and respected as active participants in their learning environment, they are more likely to develop self-regulation, cooperation, and problem-solving skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
If you’re looking for support in fostering a more positive and effective approach at home or in the classroom, we’re here to help. At CCY our experts work closely with parents, preschools, and schools to implement strategies that build respect, cooperation, and socio-emotional learning in young children.
To learn more or get personalized guidance, contacts us today. Together, we can create environments where children thrive—not through fear of consequences, but through encouragement, understanding, and meaningful growth.
Elisa Magidoff, MA, has over 25 years of leadership experience in early childhood education and serves as director of Parents Place at the Center for Children and Youth.
