Posted On: 2023-11-21 11:26:03
Do you often find yourself yelling at your child? Are you tired of trying to discipline them? If your patience wears thin every time you address your child's behavioral issues, it's probably time to change your approach.
Positive reinforcement is a parenting technique that focuses on the principles of positive psychology without resorting to threats, punishment, or humiliation. It involves highlighting a child's positive traits and strengths, empowering them to display their best behavior through deeper connections and communication. If you haven't given positive reinforcement a try, here's why you should consider it now.
Understanding and Practicing Positive Attention
Sometimes, the little things matter the most. Positive attention during interactions with children is a vital aspect of parenting. When you respond to them warmly and curiously, it instills trust and security, which has a lasting impact. Parents can express positive attention through eye contact, smiles, gentle touch, kind words that uplift their spirits, and showing interest in their activities, celebrations, or achievements.
Research suggests that employing positive attention when interacting with children tends to reduce their negative behaviors. Children crave attention from their parents and will go to great lengths to seek it. When you pay more attention to them for positive behaviors rather than negative ones, their attitude shifts. Therefore, the importance of positive attention begins in infancy and continues throughout childhood.
How to Deal With Misbehaviour?
The most challenging aspect of positive reinforcement is to ignore or withdraw your attention from children when they misbehave. Instead of scolding, punishing, or humiliating them, simply ignoring them sends the message that acting out is not the way to achieve their desires. According to child behavioral experts, this process is termed "active ignoring" when you cease interaction with them. Once the child calms down or begins following your instructions, redirect your attention towards them to reinforce your message clearly.
How to Implement Positive Attention in Your Daily Life?
According to Lindsay Gerber, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, effectively practicing positive attention involves being verbal and specific when praising a child, helping them understand which behavior to replicate. This process, known as "labeled praise," involves specifically mentioning and complimenting a particular behavior rather than simply praising the child. Positive attention can include rewards or simple gestures like hugs, kisses, or high-fives. Regardless of their age, appreciation makes children feel good, encouraging them to repeat the behavior in the future.
Another effective way to implement positive attention is by actively engaging in activities with the child. Take time to examine their work or join them in their tasks. Additionally, while conversing with the child, always allow them the chance to respond. This teaches children that their opinions matter, and adults are willing to listen to them.
Here are some positive reinforcement gestures that parents or caregivers can easily adopt:
According to Barbara Fredrickson's research on positive emotions, a 5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative emotions contributes to happiness and yields better results in children. Positive feedback and descriptive encouragement are powerful motivators. They tap into children's positive qualities, empowering them to repeat what they excel at. Even self-sufficient teenagers seek your approval of their choices. When you recognize their responsible choices and acknowledge them, you encourage them to continue behaving that way.
Filaantro believes in the power of positive reinforcement. The organization, along with its crowd-funding partner CHF, has positively impacted the lives of 44,81, 098 children all over India.
Thank you for taking the time to read the article. Make sure to share it with all your friends and family members.
AUTHOR:ARUNIMA BASU
Ready to Start a Fundraiser ?