Recognizing Good Behavior

It’s common for all parents to recognize bad behavior more than good. At the point when your child is misbehaving is when you’ll reprimand them. Good behavior often goes unnoticed because it can be as simple as sitting quietly or doing chores. These are things parents are likely to miss and thus miss the opportunity to praise and reinforce the good. Here are some ways you can remember to reinforce good behavior.

Systematize Praise – Set up some time in your weekly calendar to reflect on what your child did well this week. If needed, list out the good behavior and when it occurred. Then, when you have the opportunity, let your child know what you noticed they did well during the week. If your child needs a little more work on behavior, set up a chart in your kitchen to track good behavior. Give them stickers for when they are good. After a week of good behavior, reward them with something they like.

Stay On The Positive Side – Instead of telling your child what you don’t want them to do, tell them what behavior you want. For example: You didn’t clean up your room or you didn’t take out the trash. Try telling them why you need them to take out the trash. Explain that this gives you time to get other things done around the house. Let them know that by pitching in they are benefiting the whole family and vice versa.

Be Specific With Your Praise – Don’t just tell your child good boy or girl. Tell them know exactly what they did that was good. For example, cleaning up your room today really helped me out and allowed me to help your sister/brother with their homework. The more specific the praise the more your child will respond to the positive encouragement.