Behavior modification can be used for children of all ages with diverse issues. Whether it is defiant behavior, developmental issues or lack of motivation to do chores or homework, behavior modification can be effective in treating your child if you follow these techniques.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is another phrase for a reward system. Find a reward that you and your child can agree upon for acting properly, such as allowance. For example, if your child acts correctly for the entire day, give her a token. At the end of the week, she may turn in the tokens for the predetermined reward. According to HealthCentral.com, it is important to verbally praise your child throughout the process, to boost her motivation and pride. As the child gets used to being rewarded for doing certain things, make rewards harder to attain, to prevent from from taking advantage of the reward system.
Negative Reinforcement
Negative reinforcement is not the same as punishment. Negative reinforcement is withholding the reward your child might have earned or taking away privileges that he has, such as watching TV. This system is most effective when the parent and child agree on what will be taken away if the child does not act accordingly. He should only get the reward back when he acts properly. Punishing the child, such as making him stand in the corner, will not always be effective because he knows that this punishment is only temporary.
Charts
Creating a chart with the child showing what she needs to do throughout the week to be rewarded is helpful for several reasons. Writing the tasks down and placing them in a common area can serve as a reminder for both the parent and the child of what needs to be done. It also decreases the "he said, she said" argument versus when the tasks are just agreed on verbally. Checking off tasks as they are completed can also give her a sense of mastery and pride as well as keep her motivated to reach her goal.
Consistency
According to HealthCentral.com, it is important for the parent to be consistent in positively and negatively reinforcing their child. If the child does not see this, he may start to become doubtful about receiving his rewards, which will decrease motivation. Letting the child know that the parent is serious about the reward system is important in making the program work.
Expert Insight
Following these behavioral modification techniques, if followed correctly, will help improve your child's behavior. If you still have difficulty with her after trying these techniques, it is recommended that you arrange to have her begin psychotherapy. A professional clinician who specializes in treating children will have more experience and knowledge about behavioral modification, and will be able to teach you how to modify your child's behavior more effectively.
