Doorposts - Bible-based parenting and character training materials
Doorposts - Bible-based parenting and character training materials Doorposts - Bible-based parenting and character training materials

The If-Then Chart

A Tool for Consistent, Biblical Discipline
Author: Pam Forster
Age: 2-12
8.5"x11" color, laminated chart
Price: $6.50
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Every parent longs for peace.

  • Peace in the home
  • Peace between family members
  • Peace of mind
  • Peace of knowing we’re doing what God has called us to do

But kids argue with each other.

They disobey.

They complain.

And we’re often left not knowing what to do to gain the peace we long for.

Parenting shouldn’t be this confusing and frustrating.

The If-Then Chart, designed by real parents with real kids, has been helping parents bring peace to their homes for over 26 years!

God has given us all we need to confidently train our children – in His Word – and this simple tool helps bring that Word to bear on our everyday parenting challenges.

Here's how it works:

You choose consequences for each of the 10 common childhood sins and fill in the right-hand column of your chart.

If-Then Chart preview

When your child misbehaves, look at the chart and discuss:

  • What did he just do?
  • What does God say about what he did?
  • What has Jesus already done about what he did? (Did you know every discipline session is an opportunity to remind your child of the Gospel?)
  • What have you agreed will happen when he does this?

You will know what to do, and your children will know what to expect. It’s a simple tool that helps you be the kind of parent you want to be.

Prompt, consistent discipline restores fellowship so you spend less time being frustrated or confused, and more time enjoying your children.

When your children misbehave (which won't happen as often!), you'll be prepared to teach them about God's standards and point them to the Gospel.

 
Choose from the small, laminated chart or a larger, un-laminated poster. Each version includes instructions for using your chart and suggestions for filling it out.

What's new in the updated If-Then Chart?

  • Make the gospel central in your training with new verses added
  • Easy, improved instructions for setting up and using your chart
  • Easy-to-understand Bible verses from the ESV translation
  • New design and artwork
  • Two new, convenient formats available (large full-color posters and digital downloads)!
 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible. 
 
Spanish translation available upon request.
 

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Customer Reviews

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  If/Then Chart
LLLAcademy of Nebraska, 2/14/2016
Have used this for 15 years. LOVE that the consequences are able to be personalized for each family..and for different stages in each family. Consequences for a 3 year old are vastly different than those for a 13 year old. This chart "grows" with your family.

  Great Resource
JK of MN, 7/17/2014
This chart has given us the tool we needed to get our discipline in-check. It kept my husband & I on the same page when giving consequences for our children's behavior. The children got familiar with it very quickly & it seemed effective for our family. It is adaptable to each family's style & is erasable. I would recommend this to parents.

  Great Training Aid
Cynababon, 3/31/2014
I used my If Then chart for years with my three children. It was a great way to set out the expectations and consequences. Sometimes in the heat of misbehavior, it is hard to be consistent, but the chart lets you step back, take a breath and look at the consequences to apply them rationally and consistently. Now we are using them for the next generation.

  Very Helpful!
Kristin of NY, 8/19/2013
I purchased this chart and the "Blessings" chart to help me with giving my 4 year old and 2 year old a more tangible way of understanding their behavior in the lens of God's Word. At their ages, I have decided to use the empty boxes as a way to keep tally of how many times they did a good behavior (the Blessings chart, or as we call it the blue chart) and naughty behavior (if-then, or the yellow chart). Depending on the end of the day which chart had the most checks would determine reward or consequence. This has been SO helpful with my kids identifying their behaviors. They even tell me which chart they themselves and each other's behavior falls. I am SO glad I purchased these charts. When they get a bit older I will utilize the chart as directed.

I just also purchased the "put on" study. I can not wait to see how that helps them learn tangibly how to put on the characteristics that God is pleased with.

  Saved Our Lives
Momlady of TX, 5/9/2013
We are homeschoolers from a while back. Our son had major issues and I found this in a homeschool magazine (can't remember which one). I couldn't wait to get this in the mail. Wow! It certainly helped. The kids colored it in and we sat together to come up with the disciplinary actions to write in. He could no longer argue about it... he had helped come up with the consequences. Didn't think Doorposts was still around. So glad to have found it again. Number one...I now have a grandson who will need this in a few years. And a friend at church is struggling with a willful child. It's good to find an old friend again! Thank you Doorposts!!!

  Consistency Is Here!
Jessica of SC, 2/7/2013
Our family (and now several of our friend's families!) have greatly benefitted from use of this chart. It helps Dad & Mom to be on the same page with consequences. It has also helped me as a mom to stay consistent throughout the day as I can become frustrated and tempted to throw our unreasonable consequences for repeat offenders. Our kids know what to expect and receive their consequences better than before we started using this tool. It has also helped our kids in areas of behavior where we weren't seeing much progress before. Thanks for sharing this!!

  So Good We Don't Need It Anymore!
Creekmama of NC, 11/16/2012
We found this chart so helpful in disciplining our son! In fact, it worked so well that we almost never use it anymore! Now we use the Blessing chart for rewarding good behavior--but we still keep the If-Then chart on the fridge just in case!

  If Then Chart
Linda Hads of Oregon, 10/15/2012
I used the If then chart and the Blessing chart with my children when they were young. I'm thrilled to say that my daughter now uses them with my grandchildren!Parents use what works!

  Wonderful Product
Kirsty of Virginia, 9/24/2012
We love the If-Then Chart! It is awesome and we use it daily with our son. Each time he does something wrong, we take him to the chart and point out his sin and read the scripture that correlates with it. I love having something to go to and reference, it makes it so much easier when correcting him. I am so thankful that we have these they are a great blessing.

  If Then Chart
Sherry, 9/8/2012
We used the if then chart and the blessings chart. They are great tools to use and teaches our children the word of God through their actions. I recommend them to everyone to use. It also teaches our children that God deals with us in much of the same ways their parents deal with them. Thank you Doorposts for making these available when my children were small.

  If-Then Chart
Zach's Mom of MA, 11/24/2011
We started using the chart to help with whining and complaining when my son was 4 yrs old. We needed the chart to also help my husband and I to use the same consequence when correcting our son. I sat down with our son and we both helped come up with fair consequences. Now we all know what to expect and every since we started consistently and lovingly using the chart our son is recognizing his behavior and checking himself or asking Jesus to help him.

  Just Love This
Macodcass of Glendale,Arizona, 10/20/2011
I used this If-Then Chart when I was raising my children 15+ years ago. My daughter, is now 22 and has her first child who is 2 years old and one on the way. We were talking about this chart and how it help her and her brother when they were younger. She wished that I still had it. I was so pleased to see them on this site and for Christmas I am going to suprise her with this chart and the blessing chart, so she can use it with her children. She will be so excited.

  The If/Then Chart
Laurie of Missouri, 8/31/2011
I had 7 children in 7&1/2 years. With my husband working and going to Bible College I needed something that would aid me in consistent discipline. I LOVE the if/then chart!! My family is in the process of working on our own "older" version, but the basics are still the same.

  Every Home Needs One!
MShytle of SC, 1/1/2011
I originally bought this chart when our oldest son was 2y/o, now 7. My husband was deployed for the first time and I needed some kind of Biblical Guideline for disciplining our son. We are still using the same chart for him and now our next 2 oldest, daughters 3 & 2y/o. I couldn't imagine a day without this chart in our house. Our son has been in AWANAs since he was 3, but he has almost every verse on this chart memorized just by going to it when he makes "Bad Choices". Thanks so much!

  If-Then Chart
Happy Mom of Florida, 8/19/2010
This product is a blessing from God! It changed my children's behavior immediately. I told them about the blessing chart and they have never acted so wonderfully. They volunteered and did things before even asking them. And I just ordered the Blessing Chart today.

  Blessing To Have
Jesus Comes First Ministries of Kansas, 7/30/2010
We are very greatful to have had this chart to put in one place our decisions for discipline. It brings unity to the parents and allows the children to be warned in advance of the consequences. The scriptures are very helpful and handy to re-enforce the view the Lord God has on our conduct.

  Obedient Children
MamasMooncakes of Hayden, Idaho, 7/26/2010
THANK you for this tool! It has helped my husband and I "get on the same page" with consequences for disobedience. It's helped us be consistent with discipline handed out. I love the fact that the smaller one is laminated so consequences can be changed as the children age etc.

  Big Help
Momof5boys of Alaska, 12/9/2009
This chart has helped our family so much! There were many times I would find myself not disciplining because I didn't know what actions to take. This helps me stay on target. My children also like knowing what will happen. It provides consistent discipline. The verses also have helped us with our Bible memory! Thank you!

  Gives A Good Vocabulary
Elaina of TX, 11/21/2009
what my hubby and i like the most (besides the obvious) was that our kids had a clear understanding of the expectations/reasons for our discipline. with the biblical notations for the 'crime,' our kids could see that the authority was higher than just us :) and, we developed a great vocabulary that communicated clearly what was expected and understood. also, the 'blessings chart' is an excellent companion that is on the kitchen wall right next to our 'if-then.'

  If-then Chart
Lee of Alabama, 11/15/2009
We came across the If-Then chart a conference with the Maxwell Family. I is truly a blessing. Not only was it good the children, but for mon and dad. It provided consistancy and helped eliminate the emotion from disciline. We are so grateful!!

  Next Generation of "if-then" Kids
Mrs. Shannon Jenkins of Olympia, WA, 6/22/2008
The Lord used the "if-then" chart to answer the desperate prayer of a young mother who was newly saved in the early nineties. "Please," I asked Him, "show me how to raise them Your way." I was desperate. The old worldly disciplinary tactics of threats and temper loss were exasperating and impotent. We all knew that my inconsistent responses were largely dependant on my moods. The "if-then" chart revolutionized our family almost over night. Suddenly we could go to the store - or anywhere for that matter, and actually enjoy having our children along. They thrived on the Bible based security and consistency. People everywhere asked why our children got along so well and never fought or disobeyed. Well, we just decided to do it by "the Book"! We shared the chart with many desperate parents. It's so simple really, just do what God says in His Word. The chart simply organizes and presents it clearly for your children to grasp more easily. Well those children are 18 and 20 years old now. Both have trusted in the Lord for themselves and are currently planning to use "The Chart" for their own children when the time comes! I am so thankful that you are still offering it. Thank you for your faithful ministry all these years. The fruit just keeps on coming!

  Still Works!
Tracy Spenst of North Dakota, 4/28/2008
I bought the If-Then chart in the late 90's when my oldest two were small (they're 11 & 13 now). It was a great blessing for all the reasons others have said--consistency for parents, Bible verses, no emotional decisions to make. Now we have it out again (we've moved a few times since then) since we found our younger children aren't as obedient as the older ones were. Well, it still works! And tonight I'm e-mailing the link to a friend who's asking for discipline help. Sure glad to find you're still here, Doorposts! Thanks for making such great products!

  Impressed
Candus Berry of Minnesota, 11/22/2007
I was at a friend's house and when it came time to discipline her child, she brought him to the chart and read the Scripture verse. Then the child(4) asked,"How many spankings,Mom." I was so IMPRESSED at how respectful and controlled this was that I'm now online buying one. How neat to use Scripture, have a set consequence, and not just rely on emotions. This will change our family and already has without the chart, though I think the chart is a must to keep everyone accountable.

  Great Help!!!
Andrea Jenkins of Georgia, 10/5/2006
A good friend recommended the if/then chart. I have a 4,3, and 19 month old. It has been great with our oldest 2. No more deciding what the consequence should be - it's on the chart. It not only holds the children accountable, but my husband and I as well. And we know that the only true change can come through the Word and disciplining their hearts. Thank you!