How to Reinforce Positive Behavior in Toddlers

A happy toddler

Many books have been written about how to correct bad behavior in toddlers, but positive behavior reinforcement is rarely mentioned. This is the most important thing you can do for your toddler's well-being. Here is how to reinforce positive behavior.

Instructions

Positive Behavior Reinforcement 101

1. Pay attention to every opportunity to praise your toddler. This seems like an obvious thing to do, but you would be surprised how many things we do not notice until we pay close attention. Grab hold of every chance you get tell your toddlers they did a great job!

2. Remember that the world is new to a toddler. Everything that we do and take for granted can be a challenge to a toddler. As such, no task is to small for heaping on praise and encouragement.

3. Find the positive parts of anything your toddler does. No task is done wrong completely by our toddlers. Find what was done well, and praise that part of it to help encourage them to try again.

4. Involve yourself in every part of your toddler's school. This is a gold mine of opportunity for praise and positive reinforcement of good behavior. Sit down every evening with your toddler and talk about what went well at school that day. If your toddlers are not in school yet, start them early at home. Teach them basic skills such as sitting and raising their hands. This will pay off in the future.

5. Double your positives over your corrections. This means that for every correction you make, you should give two compliments. Toddlers need that encouragement, and they do not respond well to overly-critical talk. Give them a leg-up on the toddler competition. They will live longer and more well-adjusted lives for it.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the tone of your voice speaks volumes.

• Be careful to speak in an energetic, proud tone.

• Do not correct or criticize your toddler often, as it will lead to poor self-esteem.