Types of Reinforcement for Children

Verbal Affirmations

• When parents provide verbal affirmations, children feel good about what they did. If children constantly hear negative reinforcement when they have done something wrong, they will always be looking for ways to avoid situations so they don't get in trouble. By telling your child, "I really liked the way you picked your toys up today," the child is more apt to do work that gives them a sense of self worth and validity.

Rewards

• Rewards for positive behavior are another great way to encourage your child. If she knows there is a special outing to look forward to, like going to the park or renting her favorite movie, she may work harder to complete the task requested. If she has done a task without being asked, rewarding her on the spot with an hour of fun time, just parent and child, will show her how important what she did was and how much she means to you.

Personal Successes

• Children constantly come to their parents for approval. For example, if the child says, "look at my drawing, Mommy, what do you think?" If Mom tries the response, "Well, what do you think about it? What do you like about it?" This will give the child the opportunity to look at their work and find everything they like about it, giving themselves compliments which in turn gives them self-confidence.

Evaluating Other Behavior

• Another method of positive reinforcement with children can be through evaluating other children's behavior. When the parent gives the child the opportunity to assess another child's behavior at a certain moment, even if it is on television, the child will feel confident and capable to know right from wrong. At the end of this type of discussion, more positive reinforcement can be given to the child for taking the time to think about better ways to behave.