Positive reinforcement is one of the most important parts of positive parenting, and it plays a role in all stages of life. We use positive reinforcement when we want to encourage good behavior or reinforce something good that has already happened. That is especially helpful when you’re trying to teach your kids new skills or encourage them to do something new.
Many people think of positive reinforcement as easy as saying “good job!” — but that isn’t always enough. Saying “Good job” to praise kids’ actions at home, in the daycare center, or any social space makes them dependent on validation. While it works short-term, they fall into a constant need for approval and evaluation of what’s a good or a bad job. So, what does it entail to do positive reinforcement towards a child’s behavior?
At A To Z Fun Care Preschool & Child Care Center, a preschool in Potomac, Maryland, we believe that your children need to receive positive reinforcement that benefits them holistically. That can be in the form of verbal praise or physical reward, which relates to the task being done appropriately. It is essential to be consistent, specific, timely, and sincere. Moreover, showing non-verbal praise, like smiling while they play with their toys, nodding your head when they do something right, and giving them hugs after meals, can be very empowering.
Positive reinforcement should be done early in a child’s life because it will help them develop healthy behaviors and make good choices in the long run. Having a reliable provider of child care in Maryland is essential in shaping your child’s future. Let us be partners in guiding future stewards of the world.