Tip #21

We talked about positive reinforcement involving rewards last week (TIP #20).

This week we will focus on using words and actions as reinforcement.

Reinforcement refers to “a stimulus which follows and is contingent upon a behavior and increases the probability of a behavior being repeated” (Smith, 2017). The simplest way of conceptualizing positive reinforcement is that something pleasant is ‘added’ when a specific action is performed (Cherry, 2018).

Positive reinforcement doesn’t necessarily need to be a tangible item. Instead, you can positively reinforce a child’s behavior by:

• Giving a high five
• Offering praise
• Giving a hug or pat on the back
• Giving a thumbs-up
• Clapping and cheering
• Telling another adult how proud you are of your child’s behavior while your child is listening

Notice the difference between positive reinforcement and bribery:

Regarding music practice, it is important to stay away from fear-based negative reinforcement such as:

“If you do not practice, we will stop lessons”

“I am disappointed that you did not practice”

“I will let your teacher know if you do not practice”

Instead, we can say:

“It makes me/your teacher happy to see you practice”

“Practice makes your fingers stronger”

“Singing makes you more confident”

Here are some meaningful rewards for positive reinforcement.

Here is an article with more in depth information about positive reinforcement for parents

What do you think you/your children would like?

May you know you are making a difference, even if your children never tell you themselves.

We would be more than happy to answer any questions and provide more specific consultancy if needed.

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