Free Discipline Chart Templates and Positive Behaviour Ideas
Download the two free discipline chart PDFs below, or use the positive behaviour chart example on this page. For everyday family use, focus on a small skill your child can practise and recognise their effort, rather than keeping a tally of punishments.
Updated October 2026
Free discipline chart template downloads
Download the original “girl” discipline chart PDF | Download the original “boy” discipline chart PDF
These are the site’s original 2015 files. The filenames describe the designs; either can be chosen by any child. The PDFs have been retained unchanged. Their older discipline and punishment framing is not our recommended approach. For a simple reward-based option, see our free reward chart template.
Download the original first chart preview | Download the original second chart preview
What makes a chart age-appropriate?
Raising Children Network’s reward-chart guide says charts work well for children aged 3–8. Age is a starting point: your child also needs to understand the goal and see that it is achievable. A chart will not teach a skill they cannot yet do.
| Stage | Useful approach | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Babies | Warm care and a safe environment; no discipline points. | Move a fragile item out of reach. |
| Toddlers | Simple guidance, redirection and help with feelings. | Help put two blocks in a tub together. |
| Preschoolers | One concrete goal with adult support. | Put shoes in the basket after coming home. |
| Early school years | Agree on a manageable routine and let your child help design it. | Place the school bag on its hook after school. |
| Older children | Discuss a private checklist or shared plan if they prefer it. | Agree on how to remember one household task. |
These are household examples, not developmental deadlines. Raising Children Network’s positive-discipline guidance explains why babies and toddlers need care and guidance, and how a positive approach develops as children grow.
A simple positive behaviour chart you can copy
Choose one goal together. Write it in words your child understands, then leave space for a tick or drawing. You can copy this example onto paper without buying an app, a sticker pack or a special board.
| Our goal: put shoes in the basket after coming home | Tick or draw a star |
|---|---|
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Under the chart, write: “When I have practised three times, I can choose our next family park visit.” Three is only an example. Set a target that feels reachable for your child and choose an activity your family can actually follow through on.
How to use it without making another job for yourself
Make the goal easy to recognise
“Be good” is hard to measure. “Put shoes in the basket” is visible and specific. If your child needs a reminder, build that into the goal: “With one reminder, put shoes in the basket.” Keep everyone using the same wording.
Notice the effort promptly
Acknowledge what happened while it is fresh: “You brought both shoes over and put them away.” Raising Children Network’s advice on descriptive praise explains how naming the action helps children understand what they did well.
The mark on the chart is just a reminder of that moment. A warm word matters more than making the chart look perfect. If another caregiver is involved, tell them the goal so your child does not have to guess different rules.
Keep rewards small and practical
Try choosing the bedtime story, picking a family game or deciding which playground to visit. Avoid promising a purchase you do not want to make. A reward does not need to cost money, and ordinary affection, food and care should never have to be earned.
Treat a missed turn as information
If the goal did not happen, move on and support the next attempt. Do not remove earned stars or shame your child in front of others. A blank space might mean the step was too big, the timing was poor or they needed more help.
For example, moving the shoe basket closer to the door may solve more than a larger points system. If mornings are crowded, practise one part of the routine at a quieter time first.
Charts are not a solution for every behaviour
Hunger, tiredness, sensory needs and strong feelings can affect what a child manages. A chart for “no crying” asks them to suppress a feeling rather than learn a useful action. Stay close, keep everyone safe and help your child calm down before discussing the problem.
Raising Children Network’s tantrum guidance offers age-based ways to respond. Our article on understanding children’s behaviour is another starting point for thinking about what sits behind a difficult moment.
If behaviour is causing ongoing distress, injury or problems at home or school, speak to your GP or maternal and child health nurse. Ask for support that suits your child, particularly if communication or sensory differences are involved. A bigger chart is not always the next step.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I download a free discipline chart template?
The two original PDF downloads are linked near the top of this page. We have kept those files available and added a positive behaviour example you can copy onto paper.
What is an age-appropriate discipline chart?
For a child who can understand it, a chart should focus on one achievable positive action and recognise practice. Babies and young toddlers need adult guidance rather than a discipline points system.
Should I take away points when my child misbehaves?
Keep earned stars or points. Deal with the immediate problem calmly, support the skill your child needs and offer another chance to practise. Do not turn the chart into a public record of failures.
Can I use the same chart for siblings?
Each child may need a different goal or level of help. Avoid comparing totals. The older filenames do not restrict who can choose either design.
What if my child loses interest?
Check whether the goal is clear, achievable and useful. Try a shorter goal, a different reminder or more practical help. You can stop using a chart if it is creating conflict rather than helping.
