Positive Reinforcement for Children

Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the best way to modify your child’s behaviour by strengthening desired ones. The fact is that without using pain, punishment, yelling, degradation, intimidation, shame, humiliation, guilt or things that would hurt the child, this technique has proved to be effective for parents, caregivers, teachers and coaches. In fact, this technique has both, long term and short term benefits. Your child can learn habits that would be beneficial for him throughout his life.

Why positive reinforcement for kids?

Best way of encouragement

Recognize and appreciate your child’s smallest effort. This will help them have sense of self-worth and validity.

Helps build confidence and morale

If you punish your child for any bad behaviour, it will give him a feeling of being a bad child. But, if you use positive reinforcement, it will boost his self confidence and self-esteem.

Stimulates fundamental motivation

Positive reinforcement stimulates the basic good behaviour of your child. Child seeks praise and good feelings and with this you make him feel good about himself instead of thinking about his bad behaviour.

Boosts character development

Positive reinforcements enhances a child’s motivation much more than expected. It brings fruitful consequences.

It is effective

You can see results of positive reinforcement apparently when compared with punishment.

When to use positive reinforcement?

Experts are of the opinion that using positive reinforcement right after the behaviour works most effectively. Frequent recurrence and enthusiasm is also needed when using it. However, this tactic should be used as soon as possible after the behaviour.

How to use positive reinforcement?

Express your feelings when rewarding your child

When your child does something good or what you like, let him know that you are feeling good. A hug or even a nod with a smile can convey the message.

Be precise when you praise

Avoid saying a simple “good” when your child does something good. Praise his act by letting him know what exactly good he has done.

Focus on the right things

If your child has behaved in an unacceptable manner, offer him better alternatives. Or if your child did half right and half wrong while following your advice, you should appreciate the right part first and then give another directions for the second part.

Hold back negative decision

If you find your child doing something wrong or unacceptable, you should wait for some time and then discuss things with him. However, you might need to intervene at times it is urgent.

Show your child the progress

When you are praising your child for the present behaviour, do not forget to compare his past behaviour with present. Just make sure that you do not do this often.

Keep setting goals for improvement

When you are observing the improvement, set future goals so that the improvement goes on steadily. You can encourage your child by motivating him to do things on his own.

Everyone needs and seeks positive reinforcement. If parents make this a habit of their parenting, children are going to be more calm, well-behaved and more successful in their lives.