Host: Cindy Hovington, Ph.D. and Founder of Curious Neuron (www.curiousneuron.com)

Guest: Courtney Bilton, Behaviour Analyst @biltonbehaviour

Episode Summary

When we hear the term “positive reinforcement” we might get an image of giving a child candy or chocolate to get them to do what we want them to. However, in this episode, Courtney, a behavior analyst, explains that there is a lot more to it.

She explains that praise and positive reinforcement are not the same. She describes how we need to assess our child’s behavior and determine why this behavior is happening. This will help us provide our children with an alternative and help them modify their behavior.

When and how can a parent use positive reinforcement? All these questions and more are answered in this episode!

Key Tips:

Ask yourself the following questions regarding your child’s behaviour:

• Why is this behavior happening?

• What functions does this behavior serve?

• Remember that the way a child experiences consequences is different for each child.

• When it comes to positive reinforcement and your child’s behavior, is what you are doing working for you? If it is…continue as you were. If not, trial and error will help you find what works.

• Positive reinforcement isn’t bad, it is more how we use praise.

Resources:

From Positive Reinforcement to Positive Behaviors: An Everyday Guide for the Practitioner (Click here)