Written by: Alen Kuriakose, Trainer, HSSW
Its truly a difficult task to raise a chid, its challenging when its comes to children with learning difficulties. But reinforcement techniques may help to manage your child in a bit easier way.
Give them a positive stroke.
Every human being need encouragement. Children love it more. Giving positive strokes can improve their confidence. Pat on their back or two good words of praise can make them feel that they are honored. Sounds simple, right?
Be a detective.
Observe your child. Identify his interests and strong areas. Let his interest will be his reinforcement for his good behaviour.
Identify their strength areas.
As a singer loves to sing more or a painter loves to paint, each individual loves to focus more on their talents. Allow child to work more on his strong areas. Give him additional training in those area. Let him become master in it.
Help them in their shortcomings.
No one is perfect. Mistakes are the opportunities. Help him in his difficulties. Let him feel that someone is here to help him in need. He feels more secure and confident.
Token System:
This technique mostly works. Give them a token (it can be star or card). When he secures a fixed number of cards give him his reinforcement. This will encourage him to practice a behaviour.
Don’t mistake positive discipline.
Parents should not mistake positive discipline. It means allowing kids to do whatever they like. It's just controlling them by reinforcing them positively.
Let them take the decisions.
Allow them to take up decisions. Sometimes kids may avoid food. Ask them which food they prefer. Arrange the foods in the table. Let them choose the quantity. If it is tea or coffee, let them decide the quantity of sugar they need.
Fix a time table.
Prepare a time table in discussion with the kids. Display it in the living room. If guests ask you on this regard allow kids to answer.
Give them responsibilities.
Assign some responsibilities. Let it be to keep the table clean or bed on proper way. Give them a chocolate or snacks on completing the task.
Reinforcement is one of the most important tool in child rearing. Study your child. Use it effectively and wisely. You can understand the difference.
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