how does using positive reinforcement help in building resilience in kids?

I’ve been reading about different parenting techniques, and positive reinforcement keeps coming up. I’m curious about how it might help kids become more resilient. Does anyone have experience with this or know of any studies that show a connection? I’m especially interested in practical examples of how to use positive reinforcement to build resilience in everyday situations. Thanks for any insights!

I’ve found that positive reinforcement can be tricky with my 11-year-old. Sometimes it works great, like when I praise their effort on a tough homework assignment. Other times, they seem to brush it off.

One thing that’s helped is acknowledging small wins. When they figure out a problem on their own or try a new activity, I make sure to notice. It’s not always smooth sailing, but I’ve seen them become more willing to tackle challenges over time.

I’m still learning what works best. It’s definitely a process of trial and error in our household.

I’ve been trying positive reinforcement with my 5-year-old for a few months now. It’s been interesting to see how they respond. Sometimes it works great, like when they clean up their toys without being asked. Other times, it feels like I’m bribing them.

I’m curious about the long-term effects. Does anyone know if kids who get lots of praise become more confident when facing challenges? Or do they end up always needing external validation?

What specific things do you say or do to reinforce resilience? I’d love to hear some real-life examples from parents who’ve been doing this longer than me.

We use a mix of praise and encouragement. For my 9-year-old, highlighting past successes helps with new challenges. My 12-year-old responds well to specific feedback on their efforts.

It’s not foolproof, but we’ve seen improvements in how they handle setbacks.

In our family, we’ve noticed positive reinforcement helps our kids bounce back from setbacks. For example, when my 10-year-old struggled with a math test, we focused on praising their effort in studying. This encouraged them to keep trying.

We also use a sticker chart for daily tasks. As they collect stickers, they get more confident in their abilities. It’s not perfect - sometimes they still get frustrated. But overall, they seem more willing to tackle challenges.

One thing that’s worked well is pointing out times they overcame obstacles before. Like reminding them how they learned to ride a bike after many falls. This seems to boost their confidence when facing new difficulties.

It’s a learning process for all of us. We’re still figuring out the best ways to use positive reinforcement, but we’ve seen good results so far.

I’ve seen positive reinforcement work wonders with my kids over the years. When my daughter was 8, she struggled with math. Instead of focusing on grades, we celebrated her effort. “You worked so hard on those problems!” It took time, but she started approaching math with more confidence.

For my son, now 17, we use positive reinforcement differently. When he tackles a tough project or helps around the house without being asked, we make sure to notice. “I really appreciate you taking initiative.” It’s helped him become more self-motivated.

One thing that’s worked well is acknowledging their struggles. “I know this is hard, but remember how you figured out that science project last year?” It reminds them they can overcome challenges.

Positive reinforcement isn’t magic, though. There were plenty of times it didn’t seem to work. But overall, it’s helped my kids become more resilient. They’re more willing to try new things and stick with difficult tasks. :seedling: