We all want our kids to do what we want and need them to do, right? There’s always at least one thing that the child just throws a tantrum over. You know the one. Somedays its brushing teeth, getting dressed for school, eating food other than chips...you get the idea.
So, to have a structured environment in a way where everyone ends up happy and not in tears, try positive reinforcement. Many of us were raised in a world where we were made to fear our parents. We had to follow the rules because it was scary when we got yelled at. 90s babies and earlier know the drill.
Positive reinforcement is an important part of parenting and can be an effective way to encourage good behavior and long-term success.
Try these things:
verbal praise
giving physical affection such as hugs or high-fives
providing rewards or incentives
spending quality time with your child.
Positive reinforcement is most effective when it is used right after the child shows the right behavior.
To continue success – avoid using negative reinforcement such as taking away privileges or using physical punishment.
By focusing on positive reinforcement, you can build a strong relationship with your child and foster a positive environment for them to grow and learn.
According to Positive Psychology, “Positive reinforcement as a form of positive discipline allows us to tap into our children’s individual strengths, draw attention to their personality traits and interests, and as a result give us an opportunity to connect, communicate effectively, and ultimately empower them to be more of themselves.”
Using this technique can be extremely challenging when you get upset about your child's actions. I get it, it may seem impossible in those moments. But, if you take a second to step back and breathe you can do this!
Positive Reinforcement for Kids: 11+ Examples for Parents (positivepsychology.com)