Reinforcement is a consequence that increases behavior. Understanding what motivates a specific child allows us to help them learn new skills and behaviors.
What Is Reinforcement?
Reinforcement is often confused with reward. While similar, they’re different. A reward is something pleasant you give. Reinforcement is anything that, when it follows a behavior, makes that behavior more likely to happen again. Something is reinforcement only if it actually increases the behavior.
Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement adds something pleasant (praise, toys, activities). Negative reinforcement removes something unpleasant (ending nagging, getting out of a task). Both increase behavior.
Finding Effective Reinforcers
What motivates one child may not motivate another. A reinforcer must be something the child actually wants. This requires knowing your child—what do they care about? What activities do they choose? What makes them happy?
Schedules of Reinforcement
How often you provide reinforcement matters. Continuous reinforcement (every time) works well for teaching new skills. Intermittent reinforcement (sometimes) works better for maintaining behavior long-term and is more efficient.
Individual Differences
One child may work hard for a sticker; another couldn’t care less. One thrives on praise; another finds it embarrassing. Effective use of reinforcement requires understanding the individual.
Ethical Use
Reinforcement works best when used thoughtfully—not as bribery, but as a natural consequence of positive behavior.