Thursday Thoughts: How Can Positive Reinforcement Benefit Children?

 

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool to help children learn to behave, build confidence, and increase self-esteem. It can even help motivate them to take on challenges in the future. However, it’s equally important to remember there can be too much of a good thing. 

Parents should praise both big and small accomplishments, but it’s not needed for every little action. Instead, pick and choose moments when kids have worked hard, gone beyond to show kindness, or modeled new positive behaviors.

Here are some suggestions for using positive reinforcement:

*Verbal praise – be specific about what your child did well

*Tangible rewards – provide something your child enjoys like stickers or small treats

*Activity reinforcers – reward kids with a preferred activity like games or computer time

*Praise efforts & accomplishments – to encourage positive behavior

*Privileges – recognition helps motivate children to continue positive behavior

*Schedule reinforcement – a routine can provide opportunities for positive reinforcement

*Reinforce immediately – good behavior is more likely to be repeated if reinforcement is given right away

Easy “proud of you” quotes parents can use: So proud of your hard work! - You deserve this! - You were so sweet to your brother/sister. - I love that you care about the environment. - - Thank you for always being you. - Wow, you’ve gotten so much better at (fill in activity or task) 

It is equally important to acknowledge when mistakes are made. Do this in a positive way so kids can learn from the situation, analyze their mistakes, and look for potential solutions. Simply ask what went right, what went wrong, and what can be done better next time.

Teaching kids to reframe mistakes and find potential solutions shows them that you are their supporter and it’s safe to come to you with their problems - and that's something positive that all good parents want to encourage!