I introduced a star chart for my daughter at age 2.5 with great confidence. She earned 12 stars in the first two days and then completely lost interest and started demanding stars for breathing. I have since learned considerably more about how and when behaviour charts work for toddlers. The research on reward charts for toddlers is actually quite nuanced. Charts can work well for specific, concrete, short-term goals with children aged 3 and over. They are less effective for children under 3, for complex behaviours, for permanent habit change, and when overused. The problem with reward charts used broadly is that they shift motivation from internal to external. A child who was already brushing teeth reasonably well may start refusing unless there is a sticker involved. You have inadvertently reduced their intrinsic motivation. Charts work best when: the goal is very specific and observable, the child is old enough to understand the connection between behaviour and reward which is usually from around age 3, the chart is for a limited time period rather than indefinitely, and the reward is simple and immediate. Sticker charts for potty training often work very well because the goal is clear, the time period is short, and the motivation is high. A general good behaviour chart for a 2-year-old is unlikely to be effective. Better alternatives for younger toddlers: descriptive praise, natural and logical consequences, and creating an environment that sets them up for success. These approaches build internal motivation rather than depending on external rewards that need to be continuously escalated to remain effective.