What Is the Parent's Role in the Behaviorist Theory?

Behaviorist Theory

• The idea behind behaviorist theory is that it is best to study actions instead of the psyche. Children learn habits, and they can also unlearn those habits. Behaviorists look at a person's behaviors to try to figure out how to reshape their behaviors into more acceptable behaviors. For example, behaviorists would discourage a person if he shows negative behaviors and would encourage a person if he shows positive behaviors, according to the State University of New York, Cortland. Behaviorists believe that a child̵7;s external environment is what influences his behavior, not his genetic disposition.

Three Choices

• The first choice you have as a parent to teach your child self-control is to praise the behaviors you want to see. This is positive reinforcement and it is generally more effective than punishment. The second choice is to ignore behaviors you do not like and send your child a message that you do not approve and that she will not get the attention she craves. The third choice is to punish your child, and doing so tells your child that this behavior is not acceptable. These three choices lay the foundation for behaviorist discipline, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics̵7; HealthyChildren website.

Rewards

• When you want your child to do something, look at him directly in the eye, and speak in a clear, non-emotional voice. Watch your body language for signs of anger or impatience. Have a few simple goals for your child to accomplish at one time before you move on. State what you want your child to do succinctly, without using questions. For example, say, ̶0;Put the book down and come here,̶1; versus, ̶0;Would you put the book down and come here, please?̶1; Provide a time limit to make the command more concrete. Using a timer may be useful. Lay out the consequences of what will happen if your child does not obey as well as what will happen if he does. Respond immediately and carry out the consequences when your child obeys or when he doesn̵7;t. Never withhold affection or praise from your child as a form of punishment.

Rewards

• Rewards can serve as just the boost that kids need to overcome a behavior challenge. Reduce the reward and then take it away completely when your child has mastered certain behavior, and then set a goal for a more challenging behavior next to keep making progress. Also, remember that you cannot use rewards as bribes when they are acting inappropriately. Instead, set up a reward system with your child before she has the opportunity to misbehave. Rewards might be a sticker system in which your child works towards earning a toy or in which he earns some extra playtime.