ABC behavior chart: antecedent, behavior, consequence

What the A, B and C stand for

ABC stands for antecedent, behavior and consequence. The sheet here gives a wide column for the A because parents often skip what happened before.

Write the antecedent as the immediate setting or trigger, the behavior in plain words, and the consequence as what folowed, including what you did. This keeps the record factual and useful.

• antecedent (what happened right before)
• behavior (what the child did, in plain words)
• consequence (what happened right after, including what you did)

Example row: Antecedent: "Asked to stop playing tablet, sister in room, loud noise." Behavior: "Threw tablet onto couch and yelled at sister." Consequence: "Tablet taken for 10 minutes, calm talk after 5 minutes."

How to fill in the ABC data sheet

Fill the sheet soon after the event. The notes are more accurate within the hour.

Keep entries short and factual. Describe what happened, do not judge the child.

1. write within the hour
2. describe not judge
3. the before column in detail
4. what you did in the after column
5. five to ten entries before looking for a pattern

If you want a printable version, find the free one-page PDFs on the site downloads. The charts print in letter and A4, color and ink saving versions.

Reading the ABC chart

Patterns usually live in the A column, the antecedent. Look for rpeeats in time, place, people or demands. Fixing the trigger often stops the unwanted behavior.

Use the if-then chart on the same page to agree consequences ahead of time. That reduces surprise and arguments.

Record five to ten entries to notice which antecedents repeat. Then try one simple change and record the result.

Rewards and consequences chart: the if-then chart

The if-then chart pairs an action with what follows. It is the second printable on the page and sits beside the ABC notes. Agree the if-then pairs with your child before the day starts.

Write the reward and the loss in advance so both of you know the outcome. Let the child help write the pairs. This builds buy-in and clarity.

• If you finish homework without fuss, then extra 10 minutes of play.
• If you hit before saying sorry, then do a calm repair task.
• If you get ready on first call, then choose tonight’s story.
• If you leave toys out after one reminder, then a quick clean up before playtime.
• If you speak kindly to sibling, then a sticker for the chart.

The if-then chart works best when consequences match the behavior and stay short. For more reward ideas see reward ideas. You can also review other printable behavior charts in the same section at behavior charts.

Consequences that teach and ones that do not

Consequences should help a child learn what to do next. Good consequences are short, related to the behavior and respectful.

Avoid long vague penalties that breed resentment. A clear practice of repair helps kids try again.

• natural result, where safe and related
• a brief do-over of the task
• repair, like fixing a broken item or apology
• short pause to calm down and retry
• loss of a specific, immediate privilege
• restorative conversation after cool down
• long bans without plan
• removing earned stickers to punish
• shouting or lecturing

For examples of how parents use charts like this, see behavior chart examples. If you prefer a simpler smiley option, try our smiley face chart.