A Better Way to Parent - Child Positive Reinforcement

Why Child Punishment Doesn't Work Alone

Several things can happen when you discipline a child. You may be looked at as being brutal or mean, which is not the wished for image. They may come to be scared of you. Fear generally breeds other troublesome behaviors. They may become filled with rage, which is also undesirable. You might even find them adopting your conduct. A child might also begin yelling, if you are yelling. The key to handling child behavior is consistency with punishment, and it can be a tough thing to do.

Why Child Positive Reinforcement Does Work

Children adore their parents. They count on them to lend structure and support. Rewarding your child for acceptable behavior generally supports them to duplicate the good conduct. It's much more productive than negative reinforcement or punishment. Positive reinforcement is responded to by children of all ages whether a baby, a toddler, or a teen.

Child Behavior Modification Supports a Combined Approach

Child Behavior Therapy also known as Child Behavior Modification combines rewards and punishments or consequences to transform a child's behavior. It works like this:

A child behavior plan is developed to support a desired behavior. For example, your toddler is smacking the dog. Perhaps the correct behavior you identify is to pet the dog instead of hitting. Support the behavior by creating rewards and consequences. When your child pets the dog they get a sticker. When they receive five stickers they get to go to the park. On the other hand, when they hit the dog, they forfeit a sticker. It's a method of positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement working together to support a behavior change.

The key to any child behavior modification program being triumphant rests in consistency. You have to repeatedly give a child a sticker when they pet the dog and always take one away when they hit the dog. You will only unsettle your child with inconsistency, and you won't experience results. The behavior plan must be communicated in a positive way to your child.

The key to victory rests in a comprehensive child behavior modification. Not only should it be composed of steps to identify desirable behaviors by it should also support clear communication and consistency.

Consider altering your approach if you are struggling with distressing behaviors and punishments. Combine child positive reinforcement with structured consequences. You can enjoy seeing the fruit of your labor when you put together a child behavior modification plan for your child!


Mac Strider is an expert on behavior modification & learning. He runs two successful web based companies that allow him to work from home, and is a father of two VERY happy children, his son Jimmy & daughter Brielle. Here you can read more articles he's written on Disciplining Your Child