Positive reinforcement for children is a research-backed practice used to support and encourage children to use their skills and behavior (1). Learning often results from rewards and consequences or punishments (2). The practice of positive reinforcement focuses on appreciating the child’s good behavior rather than punishing them for their mistakes. It is proven to be an effective behavior modification strategy for children and people across age groups and animals (3). This practice can promote consistent good behavior in children. Read about the technique, its benefits, examples, and an exhaustive list of words you can add to your vocabulary for positive reinforcement in your children.
How Positive Reinforcement Works
Appreciating your child’s right behavior with appropriate rewards helps positively reinforce good behavior. Since undisciplined behavior is easier to notice, one should consciously focus on the child’s appropriate behavior while ignoring the inappropriate behavior for the desired results (4). You should pick a reward that your child would like, value, and enjoy. It is a common misconception that if you give attention to or praise the child for their good deeds, they may begin to misbehave. However, research proves otherwise (4). The inappropriate behavior increases and strengthens by adults’ words, attention, and action. There is a basic law of life that suggests that what we focus on we amplify. Your words, gestures, and appreciation can help reinforce good behavior in your children. You may initially give a reward every time they do a good deed. Gradually, you may decrease rewarding every time to alternate times before moving to occasional rewarding and then stopping it entirely once the behavior becomes a habit (2).
Benefits Of Positive Reinforcement For Children
The following are the possible benefits of positive reinforcement for children.
1. Verbal affirmation works better
Children feel loved and noticed when they are appreciated for the small good things. Simple sentences such as “I love how you put your toys back on the shelf” can inspire the child to do things that would please you more. These sentences give them validation and a sense of self-worth. It also helps you build a stronger bond with your child (5).
2. Helps boost their self-confidence
Consequences and punishment can make your child think they are wrong. On the contrary, positive reinforcement boosts their self-esteem and self-belief. It makes them feel worthy and significant.
3. Supports character development
Positive reinforcement helps in character building as it has several long-term benefits. Trying to change your child’s behavior by instilling fear of punishment can result in negative feelings even when they grow up. Getting rewards for their good deeds can make them responsible for an act.
4. Helps make behavioral choices
Parental approval and encouragement help children make correct decisions. It can improve the behavior parents are trying to reinforce and enable children to pick good over evil. The probability of getting applauded will push them to do right.
5. Stimulates internal motivation
Instead of thinking that they will be punished, the thoughts of getting rewards for good behavior stimulate intrinsic motivation in children. It reduces the need for parental monitoring of everything a child does and allows them to be responsible for making the right choices.
Types Of Reinforcers
Some common reinforcers depending on the situation and the child, are as follows (6):
Natural reinforcers arise directly from the results attained with proper behavior. For example, a student who studies hard pays attention in class, asks questions, completes assignments in time, and scores well in examinations. Good scores act as natural reinforcers for the child to do better.
Social reinforcers are mediated by teachers, coaches, parents, or other adults in the form of appreciation or approval for good behavior. Behavioral or verbal appreciation by people around can encourage children to behave well.
Tangible reinforcers include rewarding money, gifts, toys, stickers, balloons, etc., or edibles such as candies and Jell-O. However, it is essential to monitor the use of these reinforcements as they can be unhealthy or set a wrong precedent.
Token reinforcers are virtual points or credits. Children can be motivated to collect some points and exchange them for something they desire.
Activity reinforcers could be practical and positive for children. On performing a good deed, you can reward them with additional time for the desired activity, such as playtime, computer time, swimming, and screen time.
Examples Of Positive Reinforcement
Apart from token reinforcers, activity reinforcers, and tangible reinforcers, you can positively reinforce a child’s behavior in the following ways (7). These are inexpensive or even free.
Offering a simple smile Praising them Telling others about how proud you feel about your child, in the child’s presence Giving a high five
Patting their back Giving a thumbs up to them Clapping for them Cheering them up Giving them a hug Having your special victory dance A star chart (can work well for younger children)
Examples Of Behaviors To Reinforce
The behaviors you would want to reinforce in your child may differ from family to family and are as follows:
Good manners Playing quietly Waiting patiently Playing harmoniously with a sibling or a friend
Co-operating with the parents’ requests and house rules Completing all chore Working hard to accomplish a difficult task
It’s important to be very specific and factual when praising for it to be effective. Children can sense fake praise.
Some ways to tackle satiation are using a different reinforcer for different behavior, monitoring the amount of reinforcer, moving from constant to occasional reinforcement, etc.
