Understand Your Child’s Behavior with ABC Tracking

Behavior is a way children communicate. Sometimes they act out because they are trying to get something, avoid something, or get attention. The ABC Behavior Tracker helps families figure out why a child is acting a certain way.

ABC stands for:

A – Antecedent: What happens right before the behavior
B – Behavior: What your child does
C – Consequence: What happens right after

There are a few common reasons children act out, also called the function of behavior:

Attention: The child wants attention from adults or peers.

Access to a Tangible Item: The child wants a toy, screen time, or another object.

Task Avoidance: The child wants to avoid a task they don’t want to do.

By keeping track of the antecedent, behavior, and consequence, you can start to see patterns. These patterns show what your child is trying to communicate and help you respond in ways that support positive change.

How to Use the Tracker

First, observe the behavior you want to track.

Then, record what happens before, the behavior itself, and what happens after.

Next, look for patterns over days or weeks.

Finally, use these patterns to guide your responses and help your child build better skills.

Tracking ABCs gives you a clear picture of your child’s behavior over time and helps you respond calmly and consistently. It’s the first step toward understanding your child and supporting lasting, positive change.

Download Your Free ABC Behavior Tracker Here: