Therapy Resource
Therapy Resource
Clinical resources · est. 2025

Keep your drafts in this browser?

This browser holds client documents you started here, with their undo history, and any client scores you saved. On your own computer, keep them: they'll be here when you sign back in. On a shared computer, delete them. Undo history for worksheets and tools is cleared at sign-out either way, and anything saved to your account stays there.

Building a Behavior Support Plan

A structured approach to shaping positive behaviors in children

Children & TeensInfo SheetFree ResourceLast reviewed April 2026

Building a Behavior Support Plan

A structured approach to shaping positive behaviors in children

Building a Behavior Support Plan

A structured approach to shaping positive behaviors in children

Effective behavior management combines clear expectations, consistent consequences, and meaningful reinforcement. Research on parent training (Kazdin, 2005; Sanders et al., 2014) shows that programs built on praising and rewarding the behavior you want improve children's behavior. This worksheet helps caregivers develop a balanced plan that teaches replacement behaviors while providing appropriate structure.

Step 1: Define the Target Behavior

Be Specific and Observable: Describe the behavior in concrete, measurable terms rather than vague labels. This makes it easier for both you and your child to understand exactly what needs to change.Example: Instead of 'being disrespectful,' say 'interrupting others while they are speaking' or 'using a raised voice when told no.'
Identify Triggers and Patterns: Notice when, where, and under what circumstances the unwanted behavior tends to occur. Understanding the context helps you anticipate situations and intervene early.Example: The behavior happens most often during homework time when the child feels frustrated by difficult tasks.

Step 2: Teach Replacement Behaviors

Choose Developmentally Appropriate Alternatives: Select behaviors your child can realistically perform given their age and abilities. Practice these skills during calm moments so they are available during stressful situations.Example: A 5-year-old can learn to squeeze a stuffed animal when angry, while a 10-year-old can practice asking for a five-minute break.
Model and Rehearse: Children learn best by watching others. Demonstrate the replacement behavior yourself and role-play common scenarios together. Practicing new skills during training, such as rehearsing with your own child, is linked to larger improvements (Kaminski et al., 2008).Example: Before a playdate, you practice with your child: 'If someone takes your toy, let's try saying, Can I have that back please? Show me how you would do it.'
Examples of Replacement Behaviors: Taking three deep breaths when angry, asking for a break when overwhelmed, using words to express frustration, raising a hand instead of calling out, and walking away from a conflict to cool down.Example: A child who usually throws their pencil when frustrated learns to say, 'This is really hard. Can I take a two-minute break?'

Step 3: Plan Meaningful Rewards

Prioritize Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding appropriate behavior is significantly more effective than punishing unwanted behavior. Rewards strengthen the connection between effort and positive outcomes.Example: Saying, 'I noticed you used your words when you were upset instead of yelling. That took real effort and I am proud of you.'
Use a Mix of Reward Types: Social rewards (praise, smiles, high-fives), activity rewards (extra screen time, choosing a game), and tangible rewards (stickers, small treats) all have their place. Social rewards should be used most frequently because they are sustainable and build connection.Example: A high-five and 'Great job sharing with your sister!' in the moment, plus a sticker on a chart that earns a family movie night after ten stickers.
Deliver Rewards Promptly: Younger children especially benefit from immediate reinforcement. The closer the reward follows the desired behavior, the stronger the association becomes.Example: Right after your toddler puts their toys away, you say, 'You cleaned up so nicely! Let's read your favorite book together.'

Step 4: Establish Fair Consequences

Keep Consequences Proportional: Consequences should match the severity of the behavior. Overly harsh consequences can damage the parent-child relationship and reduce cooperation.Example: Losing screen time for the evening is a reasonable consequence for not doing homework, but grounding a child for a week over a minor argument is disproportionate.
Be Consistent and Calm: Apply consequences every time the unwanted behavior occurs, and do so without anger or lengthy lectures. Being consistent is one of the parent-training components most strongly linked to better child behavior (Kaminski et al., 2008).Example: Calmly saying, 'You hit your brother, so you need to take a five-minute break in the other room,' every time it happens, without raising your voice.
Always Reconnect Afterward: After a consequence, take a moment to talk with your child about what happened, validate their feelings, and reaffirm your belief in their ability to make better choices next time.Example: After the break, sitting with your child and saying, 'I know you were frustrated. I love you, and I know you can handle it differently next time.'

References

  • Kaminski, J. W., Valle, L. A., Filene, J. H., & Boyle, C. L. (2008). A meta-analytic review of components associated with parent training program effectiveness. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 36(4), 567-589. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-007-9201-9
  • Kazdin, A. E. (2005). Parent management training: Treatment for oppositional, aggressive, and antisocial behavior in children and adolescents. Oxford University Press.
  • Sanders, M. R., Kirby, J. N., Tellegen, C. L., & Day, J. J. (2014). The triple p-positive parenting program: A systematic review and meta-analysis of a multi-level system of parenting support. Clinical Psychology Review, 34(4), 337-357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2014.04.003

Related Children & Teens Worksheets

View all Children & Teens →
Children & Teens

Effective Time-Outs: A Guide for Caregivers

Using time-outs as a calm, consistent discipline strategy

Children & Teens

Growing Up with Parental Alcohol Use: Reflection Prompts

Questions about the home you grew up in and the life you have now

Children & Teens

My Feelings Map

A sensory exploration of emotions for children

Common Questions

What is the Building a Behavior Support Plan worksheet?

Effective behavior management combines clear expectations, consistent consequences, and meaningful reinforcement. Research on parent training (Kazdin, 2005; Sanders et al., 2014) shows that programs built on praising and rewarding the behavior you want improve children's behavior.

How do I use the Building a Behavior Support Plan worksheet?

Read through this resource to learn key concepts. Share with your therapist or use as a study reference. You can print this sheet or bookmark it for quick access later.

Is the Building a Behavior Support Plan worksheet free?

Yes. Like every worksheet on Therapy Resource, it is free to read, print, and download as a PDF, no account required. A Pro subscription adds online filling with saved progress, practice-branded PDF exports, and secure client sharing.

Who is the Building a Behavior Support Plan worksheet for?

It is designed for therapists and counselors doing children & teens work with clients, and for individuals using it for self-guided practice. Pro members can share it with clients through a private link. No client account needed.

Use this worksheet professionally

Pro members can fill worksheets online, save progress, customize content, share with clients, and export branded PDFs.

Try Pro free for 7 days →
← Back to all worksheets
Try Pro

Add to client link

Loading...

Changes appear on the client's bookmarked page right away. No notification is sent, and their answers stay in their own browser. Manage links

Share with Client

Create a private link to share this worksheet directly with a client. They won't need an account to view it.

Saved on this device only, never sent to our servers, and not shown to the recipient. Do not enter names, initials, diagnoses, or appointment times; use a code that means something only to you.