Positive reinforcement is at the heart of applied behavior analysis (ABA). It’s a powerful, research-backed strategy for fostering meaningful, lasting behavior change. Parents and caregivers often use it without even realizing it. When you understand how it works and use it intentionally at home, you can more effectively shape behavior, teach new skills and support your child’s development.
What Exactly Is Positive Reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement occurs when something is added after a behavior, making it more likely to happen again in the future. The reinforcer can be anything your child finds motivating, like praise, attention, a preferred toy or a fun activity.
Here are a few examples of positive reinforcement in action:
- Your child brushes their teeth right away when instructed. You praise them and offer an extra 10 minutes of playtime before bed. As a result, they’re more likely to brush their teeth right away on future nights.
- A child who is just learning to speak is working with a therapist on using words to ask for things. The child says, “Ball?” The therapist immediately gives her a ball and tells her she did a great job using her words.
One thing to keep in mind is that simply giving a child something desirable doesn’t automatically mean positive reinforcement has occurred. The key is whether the behavior increases over time. If the behavior happens more often in the future, then reinforcement has taken place. If it doesn’t, then it wasn’t truly reinforcing for that child in that moment.
Related: Reinforcement vs. Bribery: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions
Why Positive Reinforcement Works
Positive reinforcement works through a simple but fundamental principle of behavior: the consequences that follow a behavior influence whether it continues. When a behavior is followed by a positive outcome, it’s more likely to be repeated in the future. Over time, reinforcing positive behaviors can also help reduce challenging ones by shifting what your child learns is effective.
How to Use Positive Reinforcement at Home
We encourage parents to be intentional about using positive reinforcement in their day-to-day lives. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated. If your child is in ABA therapy, ask their BCBA for some individualized ideas. Here are a few simple strategies and tips.
“Catch Your Child Being Good”
One of the easiest ways to use positive reinforcement is to look for moments when your child is engaging in appropriate behavior and acknowledge it. Whether they’re playing nicely with their sibling, following directions right away or being gentle with peers, point it out and provide a reinforcer that your child is motivated by.
Sometimes — especially with children who engage in high rates of challenging behavior—parents may find themselves correcting more than praising. Shifting your focus to noticing and reinforcing positive behaviors can increase the likelihood that they’ll happen again.
Use Behavior-Specific Praise
Go beyond “good job.” When you’re providing praise, clearly describe what they did well. For example, “Awesome job listening right away” or “Wow, that was so kind of you to share with your sister.”
Reinforce Right Away
Timing is important with positive reinforcement. The closer the reinforcer is provided in relation to the behavior, the stronger the connection will be. Delivering praise or a reward immediately helps your child understand what they did to earn it, making it more likely they’ll repeat the behavior in the future.
Use What Motivates Your Child
A common mistake is using generic reinforcers that aren’t motivating for the child. Everyone is unique, so what reinforces one person’s behavior may not reinforce another. Sometimes, it can take trial and error to figure out what’s reinforcing and what’s not.
Stay Consistent
Positive reinforcement doesn’t always produce immediate results. Behavior change can often be slow and steady. Don’t let that discourage you, though.
Embrace The Power of Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement doesn’t have to require a complex behavior intervention plan. Small, consistent efforts to reinforce the behaviors you want to see more of can lead to meaningful, lasting change over time.
Quest serves children, teens and young adults through our Quest Kids programs. Quest Kids Academy is a private charter school offering a customized education for those with autism and other developmental disabilities. Quest Kids Therapy provides ABA therapy at our four centers: downtown Orlando, Lake Mary, West Orange/Winter Garden and in the Tampa region.