Reinforcement is one of the most powerful tools that parents can use to help improve their child’s behavior. Positive reinforcement is particularly helpful and can help you and your child establish routines, build healthy habits and life skills, and strengthen your bond. With time, patience, and practice, positive reinforcement can help shape desirable behaviors, especially, when used in conjunction with other parenting strategies.
When your child doesn’t follow instructions, those moments when you have to enforce expectations can feel like a battle. There are some key tips you can keep in mind as part of an effective parenting approach. Each of these tips can help you decide what to enforce, when to enforce it, and how. Taking a balanced approach can help you promote the types of behaviors you want to see and strengthen the relationship you have with your child.
