Introduction to Rewarding Behavior

October 17, 2024
Jordan Adamson

Parenting can be one of the most rewarding, yet challenging jobs there is. Many parents want to help their children grow into kind, thoughtful, and responsible individuals. However, figuring out the best way to encourage positive behavior can be difficult!

One of the most effective ways to help your child through life is through reinforcement. Reinforcement is a term that originates in behavioral psychology where a stimulus is introduced following a behavior, which will increase the likelihood that the behavior will happen again. In other words, reinforcement is how parents react to their children, which teaches them what to expect in the future. Whether it be praise or punishment, you are shaping the way that your child behaves. Behaviors are actions, reactions, or responses that a person has in response to their surroundings. Examples of behaviors can include eye rolling, crying, studying, or even laughing.

In this post, you will learn about different types of reinforcement, tips for using reinforcement, and information on how working with a therapist may be beneficial. Ultimately, using reinforcements successfully will strengthen your connection with your child while building a foundation of trust and predictability for your child.

Different types of Reinforcement:

Your reaction to your child crying, throwing a tantrum, or getting good grades can make a big difference in whether or not they will repeat those behaviors. There are four main types of reinforcement that play a role in shaping behaviors.

How do I Decide Which Form of Reinforcement to Use?

Parenting isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Deciding which type of reinforcement to use depends on the specific behavior that you are trying to address, your child’s temperament, and your family’s values. Parents may need to take time and reflect on their own personal values. Every family has a unique set of values which may vary depending on culture, personal beliefs, or experiences. Do you want your child to be academically driven? Self-reliant? Respecting authority and rules? Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment where your child knows what’s expected of them. This can help you to establish a strong connection with your child, support them through difficulties understanding boundaries, and allow them space to truly understand the difference between right and wrong.

Things to Keep in Mind

While using the various forms of reinforcement previously mentioned, here are some things to consider:

How Therapy Can Help

Parenting can feel overwhelming at times, and it is normal to want extra support. Working with a therapist can help you to stay on track with your reinforcement schedule and ensure that you are remaining consistent with how you approach specific behaviors. A therapist can also help you to clarify your personal values and identify which behaviors you want to increase or decrease based on what is important to you. A therapist can also help you to communicate these behavioral expectations of behavior to your child. They may even be able to help identify which type of reinforcement is most beneficial and will suit your specific situation. Finally, a therapist can help you to manage your own emotional reactions to your children’s behaviors. Children can often trigger strong thoughts or feelings within parents and having someone to talk to can benefit both you and your child. Ultimately, a therapist can support you and your child while you navigate the difficulties that come with being a parent!