With younger children, providing positive reinforcement has an obvious outcome: joy and gratitude. As they grow older, children tend to be less expressive about how they feel when you recognize them for a job well done. However, positive reinforcement remains important for helping your child build and maintain self-esteem.
Positive reinforcement can take many forms, from saying encouraging words in the moment to rewarding your child for major accomplishments. Read on to learn about the power of these simple actions.
Why Positive Reinforcement Works
Praising your child and rewarding them for hard work helps foster motivation to continue their good behavior. Over time, it helps them build resilience, so when they receive constructive feedback, they’re better able to adapt and move on. This makes them more open to new ideas and new challenges as they move through life.
How to Provide Positive Reinforcement
Parents have the most power to affect their child’s self-esteem, so it’s important to do so in a positive way. There’s more to providing your child with positive reinforcement than saying “good job” every time they succeed. When you affirm your child, be specific and sincere.
Statements like “I was so impressed when you held the door for that elderly woman” or “Thank you for being so kind to your brother when he was having a hard time” can go a long way. They help your child determine what they’re doing right and feel empowered to keep doing it. The same can be said for commending them on their performance at school or their leadership in clubs and teams on campus. When they truly impress you, consider rewarding them with an activity or a treat they enjoy.
Real-World Benefits for Children
Children who receive positive reinforcement at home become more resilient in school and beyond. They build confidence and a growth mindset, feeling empowered to explore their unique gifts and talents. Positive reinforcement also helps children build on other values, like kindness and cooperation with others. Being rewarded for kindness early on can help children understand the power of their words and actions.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
While positive reinforcement is generally helpful, there are some mistakes parents often make, generally going too far or being too sparing. These are the most common pitfalls when it comes to positive reinforcement:
Overpraising or using generic praise
Focusing on results rather than effort
Inconsistency in providing reinforcement
You can avoid these by being mindful of the praise and rewards you are giving your child. Be specific, be consistent, and try not to overdo it. Remember, your words and actions have power—use it for good.
At North Tampa Christian Academy, we work to boost every child’s confidence to help them find their genius and their place as a beloved child of God. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.