Positive Reinforcement In Children

Becoming a parent is one of the most rewarding responsibilities, but yet poses as one of the trickiest. When a child is born, they do not come with a manual or “how to” guide, leaving many parents puzzled when it comes to deciding how they should properly raise their child. In addition to the many stresses and responsibilities that come with raising a child, comes one of parenting’s most controversial topics, discipline.

Discipline is often questioned in the eyes of society, as many often perceive discipline as abuse. However, when done correctly, discipline can be some of the most appreciated experiences for a child once they reach adulthood as it can aid them in maturing into responsible, self-regulating adults. Disciplining a child is a

Many may perceive it is useless or even detrimental. Positive reinforcement is a very simple approach to discipline, which is why its effectiveness may often be questioned. However its value in correcting behavior in young children has been proved effective. Positive reinforcement is simply is the act of attending to appropriate behavior, while attempting to ignore the inappropriate behavior (from positive reinforcement: to positive behavior). There are four significant points to positive reinforcement that must be highlighted. First, reinforcement serves to increase a desired behavior, while the goal of punishment is to decrease an undesired behavior (textbook citation). It is crucial to acknowledge that adult understand the difference between desirable and undesirable behavior, while a child may not. For example, a study was conducted and a child was asked to explain his teacher’s disciplinary methods. He explained that his teacher used small, cut-out, paper bears to represent each child. If the children were to act out, then the bear would be moved along the wall with each behavioral warning, until they reached the “no recess” zone. When the child was asked, “What does your teacher expect of you?” the child was confused, as he began to recite all the things he was not supposed to do. When asked, “What would maker your teacher happy?” he was

Many people turn to the Holy Bible as a source of guidance for not only their spiritual lives, but also their physical lives as well, including how they should go about in raising a family. For example, the book of Hebrews is a seamless example of Godly wisdom and spiritual advice that can be integrated into the many lives of families and parents. Verse 10 of chapter 12 says, “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness”, the point of this statement is that no discipline initially is pleasant, but is painful. However, later on it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Scripture is a constant reminder of the beautiful life we can live if we follow God’s instructions. Far from an dreadful word, discipline is pure evidence of love. When you consistently discipline your child, maintain boundaries and follow through with consistent consequences, all while remaining compassionate and under control, with the best interests in the outcome of the child- you are reflecting the direct love that God has for each of his children. The Holy Bible’s perspective on discipline is sustained by what many researchers are now studying about child development: that when children are left to themselves, they will do what all individuals left on their own in a corrupt and fallen world do. They will make poor