The 7 keys to positive reinforcement
For many years it has been believed that the best way to keep children on track was through punishment. But nothing could be further from the truth, the secret lies in giving true value to positive behaviors. In this way, we will be encouraging those attitudes that we consider important for our child to develop.
One of the greatest allies for the education of children is positive reinforcement. In this article you will discover what it is and what are the 7 keys to positive reinforcement .
Positive reinforcement is the set of actions whose purpose is to motivate, recognize and appreciate the efforts that children make. As explained perfectly in this study study carried out by the professional Marta Albertconsists of giving the child a pleasant, stimulating response every time he/she demonstrates an appropriate behavior.
Thus, he will understand, little by little, that there are attitudes that please and make his parents happy , and others that, on the contrary, upset and sadden them. Naturally, the predisposition will be to repeat the former and avoid the others.
On paper it seems very simple, but when we put it into practice, difficulties arise. To make it easier for you, we bring you the 7 keys to positive reinforcement:
- Choose a time when the child is calm, so that the positive reinforcement serves its purpose. The mother or father must make sure that the child pays attention and understands everything that is being explained. In this way, all the conditions of the treatment will be clear before the behavior we are looking for occurs.
- Use words that express positivity. For example, “From now on, if after playing you pick up and arrange everything you have taken out of its place, you will be able to watch 30 minutes of your favorite series“. The reinforcement, or reward, should be appropriate to preferences and age.
- It is very important to explain what we want to achieve. The concept of “behaving well” is too broad; we must be more specific.
- Reinforcement has to be detailed. Clarifying what, when and for how long. “You will be able to watch your favorite series, for 30 minutes, if you leave everything in its place and tidy.”
- The time frame should be short or, on the contrary, use tools to make the child aware of the value of his or her actions until a long-term reward is achieved. An example of this would be the use of a card, by means of which different attitudes are rewarded. Once this card is stamped, or painted, the desired reward would be obtained.
- Positive reinforcement is the motor action that triggers the desired behavior. Therefore, it must be enticing, pleasurable and, ultimately, it must motivate.
- Do not neglect to show affection and affection. Affection, satisfaction, unconditional affection, a kiss, a hug must accompany the successes, as well as the mistakes. If this aspect is not taken care of, the child may interpret that his parents will only love him if he does things well. A belief that generates emotional instability and misleads children.
We hope these tips will be of great help to you. When you put them into practice, you will immediately see how punishments are naturally reduced.
In addition, at Crochetts we are always thinking of all of you who make this magical crochet world possible. That’s why, to help you to get those rewards so desired, but so valuable… We bring you the the Crochet Champions Card. With this Good Behavior Card, implementing the 7 keys to positive reinforcement will be a breeze.
What is the Crochet Champion Card?
This tool that we propose to you has:
- A space to put the child’s name, so it is fully customizable.
- 20 boxes, on the front side, which can be colored in. This action will help them to internalize and become aware of their progress and the great value of good behavior.
- Good Behavior Card, on the back, with which good attitudes can be weighted. The greater the effort, or the value of the action, the higher the score.
- A space for the establishment of the reward. As we have already mentioned, it is very important to clarify what will be the benefit obtained by complying with the agreement. At this point, it is very interesting to establish non-material positive reinforcement rewards. Thus, it is much easier to inculcate the great value of an afternoon at the movies, a day at the zoo, a day at the beach, etc.
Ready for the start of this new stage? Do not hesitate, you will be pleasantly surprised by the great effect of the 7 keys to positive reinforcement, applied with the help of our super tool, Crochet Champions Card.
