I’ve been reading about positive reinforcement for kids, but I’m not sure I totally get it. Can someone explain the basic idea and how it’s supposed to work? Like, what’s going on in a kid’s brain when you use positive reinforcement? And does it actually make a difference long-term? Just trying to understand this better for my own parenting. Thanks!
I remember when my kids were younger, positive reinforcement was a game-changer for us. We started with a simple system - they’d get a coin for each chore completed. At first, I worried it was just bribery, but over time I saw how it built their confidence.
My daughter used to hate folding laundry, but after a few weeks of earning coins, she’d do it without being asked. It wasn’t about the reward anymore - she felt proud of her contribution. My son was the same with dishes.
As they got older, we phased out the coins and moved to more abstract rewards like extra screen time or choosing dinner. Now as teens, they often do chores without prompting. Looking back, I think the positive reinforcement helped them connect effort with good feelings, making chores less of a battle. It took patience, but it was worth it in the long run. 
I’ve been trying positive reinforcement with my 5-year-old. It’s working okay, but I’m still figuring things out.
We use a simple chart where they get stars for doing things like putting toys away or helping set the table. They seem excited about earning stars, but I wonder if it’s teaching the right lesson.
Sometimes I worry - am I bribing them to do basic tasks? Will they always need a reward to help out? I’d love to hear from parents who’ve been doing this longer. How do you balance praise and rewards with teaching intrinsic motivation?
Has anyone found ways to gradually reduce the need for external rewards as kids get older? I’m so new to all this and could use some real-world insights!
My kids respond well to praise for good behavior. It seems to motivate them to keep it up. I’ve noticed they’re more likely to repeat actions that get positive attention. Simple stuff like high fives or acknowledging their efforts goes a long way.
I’ve noticed positive reinforcement works really well with my kids. We have a little reward system for doing chores and homework. It’s amazing how excited they get about earning points for simple things.
What’s cool is seeing how it builds their confidence over time. My older one used to struggle with math, but now she gets so proud when she finishes her work. The little rewards seem to make her more willing to tackle hard problems.
I try to mix it up between tangible rewards and just verbal praise. Sometimes a high five or ‘great job!’ is enough. Other times we do small treats or extra screen time.
It’s not perfect, but I’ve definitely seen improvement in their behavior and willingness to help out. They seem happier too, which is the best part.
I’ve been experimenting with positive reinforcement at home. My kid seems to thrive on little bits of praise for everyday tasks. Recently, we started a sticker chart for putting away laundry. It’s turned a boring chore into something more exciting. I’m noticing more initiative to help out around the house now. Still learning as we go, but it’s been interesting to see the shift in attitude.