Right now, children are staying inside more due to cold weather...and the COVID pandemic. Sometimes they can get a little stir crazy, and that’s why it’s important to use positive reinforcement with your children when dealing with their behavior — it can be one of the most effective behavior modification techniques.

Whether it’s praising, clapping or cheering, there are multiple positive reinforcement strategies. You can use these five tips to improve a child’s behavior!

1. Be specific when praising your child

When your child models behavior that you like, make sure to praise them. But make sure they know exactly what you are praising them for. Being vague can cause confusion for the child. Instead of saying, “Great job!” say, “Great job picking up the toys and putting them in the toy box neatly.”

2. Use nonverbal reinforcement 

Show your child that you’re pleased with their behavior by giving them a high five, smile, or pat on the back. You can also hug your child or give them a thumbs up. This reinforces positive behavior without having to verbally reinforce your child, through verbal and nonverbal reinforcement work best when used together. 

3. Link rewards to behavior

If you’re going to give your child a reward for positive behavior, make sure you connect the reward to the behavior you’re reinforcing. Children need to see that their good behavior results in good things happening. A good example of this is potty training your child. Letting your child pick a piece of candy every time they go to the potty shows them that using the potty is a positive behavior. 

4. Be consistent

The more often positive behavior is rewarded, the better. This doesn’t mean that you have to give your child a prize every time they pick up their clothes. But for your younger children, the more, the better. When your child is learning a new behavior or working on a specific skill, it's important to offer positive reinforcement on a consistent basis. You can avoid constantly having to give out physical rewards by setting up a reward system. Give your child a chart that shows they get a reward every five times they do a specific positive behavior. They can mark these behaviors with stickers or coins, which will lead to larger rewards such as a trip to get ice cream or a new toy or game. 

5. Avoid accidental positive reinforcement

Parents often give their children positive reinforcement when it is unnecessary. This is by acknowledging your child when they are acting negatively. Giving your child your attention is a form of positive reinforcement. Even if you are telling your child to stop, or asking them to not do something, that is considered positive reinforcement because you are acknowledging the child. 

Overall, there are four different types of reinforcement when it comes to behavior: 

Positive reinforcement 

The most likely to be used with children because it rewards positive behavior and motivates the child to continue acting that way. 

Negative reinforcement

Encouraging a child’s behavior by removing a negative outcome. An example of this is taking away your child’s favorite toy every time they pick on their younger brother or sister.

Positive punishment

Adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease a child’s negative behavior. An example of this scolding your child for trying to steal snacks from the pantry.

Negative punishment 

Removing a pleasant stimulus to reduce a child’s negative behavior. An example of this is taking a toy away from your child for throwing a temper tantrum. 

Positive reinforcement continually results in better behavior. Don’t forget to use our tips this winter when your children are inside more often. They are more likely to listen and repeat positive behaviors!