I’ve been trying to manage some challenging behaviors with my kids (and even my dog), but I’m not sure I’m doing it right. I know positive reinforcement is supposed to be effective, but it feels like I’m just not getting through sometimes. Anyone have experience with this or some practical advice? What works for you when dealing with misbehavior?
Creating a positive environment has made a big difference for us. We started small with a ‘caught being good’ jar. The kids get to put a marble in when we notice good choices. It’s simple but they love seeing it fill up.
We also talk about feelings a lot. When there’s misbehavior, we try to understand why it happened. Sometimes they’re just tired or hungry. Addressing the root cause often prevents future issues.
For our dog, short training sessions with lots of praise worked wonders. It took time, but consistency paid off.
It’s not perfect every day, but focusing on the positives has really improved things. The kids seem happier and more willing to cooperate now.
I remember those days of constant battles over behavior. What worked for us was catching the kids being good and praising them right away. It felt weird at first, but they really responded to it.
We also set up a simple reward chart. Nothing fancy, just a sheet on the fridge where they could earn stickers for good choices. Those stickers added up to small treats or extra TV time.
For our oldest, we found that explaining the ‘why’ behind rules helped a lot. He’d still test boundaries, but understanding the reasons made him more likely to cooperate.
It took time, but focusing on the positives slowly changed the atmosphere at home. There were still tough days, but overall, it got easier. Hang in there! 
Consistency is key with our kids. We set clear expectations and follow through every time.
For the dog, short training sessions with treats worked well. Took time, but now he listens most of the time.
Nothing’s perfect, but it’s improved things at our house.
I’ve been struggling with this too. My 5-year-old sometimes listens, sometimes doesn’t. I tried a sticker chart, but it only worked for a week. Now I’m wondering about natural consequences. Like, if they don’t put away toys, we can’t read a bedtime story because there’s no space. But I worry that might be too harsh. What do you all think about natural consequences? Has anyone had success with them for younger kids?
I have found that turning discipline into a game really helps. At home, we use a point system where good behavior earns small privileges. It isn’t a perfect fix, but it shifts the focus from punishment to collecting rewards. I discovered the right incentives took a little trial and error, and now my child seems more engaged in daily routines. This playful approach has made handling behavior issues a bit more positive and less stressful for everyone.