Teachers, parents and coaches use behavior modification techniques to influence the behaviors of children. Many times, people do not even realize when they are using one of these techniques. To intentionally employ behavior modification techniques, the behaviors a child needs to change must be identified and then targeted.
Basics
Behavior modification techniques are used to reduce undesirable behaviors and increase desirable behaviors. To increase certain behaviors, some form of praise or reward must be given to the child when he engages in the desired behavior. To reduce or extinguish an unwanted behavior, a punishment must be delivered when the behavior occurs.
Who
Behavior modification is often used with children who have mental health disorders such as mental retardation, autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, depression and anxiety. According to the Mayo Clinic, with some disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder, parents are taught specific techniques to use to reduce the symptoms. Although these techniques are effective at reducing the symptoms of these disorders, their use should not be limited to these symptoms. Parents and teachers can use behavior modification techniques with any child who displays unwanted behaviors or to help a child increase a positive behavior.
Considerations
When using behavior modification, it is important to remember that one of the keys to the technique is consistency. If a behavior is going to be changed the modification must occur every time the behavior occurs or is supposed to occur, notes KidsHealth.org. Children will be unable to make the connection between the intended modification and the behavior if the modification is not delivered every time.
Significance
Behavior modification is a very power technique that, if used properly, can drastically change the way a child behaves. Behavior modification can take an aggressive and angry child and modify his behavior so that he becomes a well-behaved child. Children respond well to praise and rewards, which makes them prime for changing their behaviors when modification practices are used. One of the benefits of behavior modification is that is can be used in any number of places, such as at home, in a classroom, at a restaurant and in the car; its use is not limited to a therapist office.
Types
There are numerous forms of behavior modification. Many times, the behavior modification technique used will depend on the personality of the child and the individual circumstances. Stars or sticker charts are common behavior modification techniques used to get children to complete certain tasks such as chores, homework or practicing positive behaviors. Allowance is another way to get children to increase desired behaviors. Time-outs are often used to reduce unwanted behaviors such as not following rules or being aggressive. Verbal praise and personal attention are simple forms of behavior modification, but they are very effective at increasing desired behaviors in children. Also, ignoring undesirable behaviors in children will help reduce their occurrence.
