I’ve been looking into how to help my kids develop good habits, and I keep seeing positive reinforcement as a crucial method. I understand the concept, but I’m really interested in how it works behaviorally.
Can someone explain why positive reinforcement is effective for building habits in children? What are the psychological factors that make it more successful than other methods?
When we created a fun chart with stickers for brushing teeth, my child picked it up really quickly. Within a few weeks, it became part of the routine without any reminders. I think the instant gratification from earning the sticker made a difference. It seems that associating a chore with a positive outcome can encourage kids to form good habits naturally. I’ve found that focusing on the fun aspects instead of the chore itself can really change their attitude towards it.
I’ve been wondering about this too. My child seems to respond really well when I praise specific things like ‘you remembered to put your plate in the sink’ but I’m not sure why that works better than just reminding them.
From what I’ve noticed, when I catch them doing something right and point it out, they seem more likely to repeat it. But I’m curious about the science behind it too. Does anyone know if there’s a difference between praise and rewards when it comes to building habits? Sometimes I feel like I’m just guessing at what might stick.