It is valuable for parents to understand the many subtle differences between positive and negative discipline strategies, as well as their purposes and situations in which to use them. Understanding the differences can help parents effectively teach and guide their children, even through times when children are misbehaving.
Even though the terms discipline and punishment are regularly used interchangeably, there is a basic distinction. Punishment actually refers to the inflicting of pain or suffering, occasionally as a method of retribution. However, discipline is the guided correction that is given with specific efforts made to positively affect a behavior, more alike to a reinforcement strategy than punishment. Positive parenting and teaching can be achieved by using discipline and reinforcement strategies, instead of reacting to misbehaviors out of frustration with punishments. Discipline strategies and reinforcements can be either positive or negative, so determining the differences between these is important for parents and teachers when they are deciding what is appropriate for each child and situation.
Time-out strategies are often referred to as positive discipline methods, maybe because they can be alternatives to punishments like spankings. However, time-outs are really methods of negative discipline. Given in response to misbehaviors such as taking toys away from classmates, time-outs are used as negative reinforcements. A child in a time-out is removed from the group and often has feelings of isolation and loss of the desired activity. This method can be is effective for some children or situations, but it needs to be used in specific ways.
Time-out strategies for children who are misbehaving need to follow guidelines in order for the strategy to be effective. The time-out should be given for the same amount of time as the age of the child, such as 5 minute time-out for a 5-year old. The time-out should be given immediately after the misbehavior has occurred, and should be accompanied by a clear, age appropriate explanation. The focus of the explanation should be on the negative behavior, and children should be encouraged to use that the time to think about their actions and ways to amend or do better next time.
Time-outs are not always the best approach for each situation or child, so parents and teachers can utilize methods of positive discipline. Discipline can be both positive and negative, as discipline is actually the act of teaching or leading, and reinforcing good behaviors.
Reward charts, even for goals such as consistently sharing toys, help emphasize for children the desired behaviors and focuses on them in positive ways. Everyday little things like giving hugs, extra smiles, or high fives are ways that reinforce the good behavior that was noticed. Empathy and emotional responsibility can also be taught by speaking with children and role playing with them about how it feels to be on the receiving ends of the misbehavior.
Sometimes it is only in the presentation that the distinction is made between a positive and a negative discipline method. A student who refused to clean up art supplies might be given detention or not be allowed to participate in a game after art class. Teachers can instead present the rule that once all of the art supplies are put away, the class gets 5 extra minutes to play a game. The students are in charge of their decisions and more likely to comply. Teachers should also make positive reinforcement a part of this strategy, acknowledging those students who are cleaning up the supplies. Focusing on the positive behaviors still teaches children what behaviors are accepted, but does so in a positive approach.
Negative behaviors are easy to react to in negative ways, often out of frustration, but parents and teachers will find that children are more receptive to positive discipline and reinforcement used consistently. There are usually many opportunities for parents and teachers to acknowledge behaviors that are desired to continue, instead of only focusing on the negative ones.
Even though the terms discipline and punishment are regularly used interchangeably, there is a basic distinction. Punishment actually refers to the inflicting of pain or suffering, occasionally as a method of retribution. However, discipline is the guided correction that is given with specific efforts made to positively affect a behavior, more alike to a reinforcement strategy than punishment. Positive parenting and teaching can be achieved by using discipline and reinforcement strategies, instead of reacting to misbehaviors out of frustration with punishments. Discipline strategies and reinforcements can be either positive or negative, so determining the differences between these is important for parents and teachers when they are deciding what is appropriate for each child and situation.
Time-out strategies are often referred to as positive discipline methods, maybe because they can be alternatives to punishments like spankings. However, time-outs are really methods of negative discipline. Given in response to misbehaviors such as taking toys away from classmates, time-outs are used as negative reinforcements. A child in a time-out is removed from the group and often has feelings of isolation and loss of the desired activity. This method can be is effective for some children or situations, but it needs to be used in specific ways.
Time-out strategies for children who are misbehaving need to follow guidelines in order for the strategy to be effective. The time-out should be given for the same amount of time as the age of the child, such as 5 minute time-out for a 5-year old. The time-out should be given immediately after the misbehavior has occurred, and should be accompanied by a clear, age appropriate explanation. The focus of the explanation should be on the negative behavior, and children should be encouraged to use that the time to think about their actions and ways to amend or do better next time.
Time-outs are not always the best approach for each situation or child, so parents and teachers can utilize methods of positive discipline. Discipline can be both positive and negative, as discipline is actually the act of teaching or leading, and reinforcing good behaviors.
Reward charts, even for goals such as consistently sharing toys, help emphasize for children the desired behaviors and focuses on them in positive ways. Everyday little things like giving hugs, extra smiles, or high fives are ways that reinforce the good behavior that was noticed. Empathy and emotional responsibility can also be taught by speaking with children and role playing with them about how it feels to be on the receiving ends of the misbehavior.
Sometimes it is only in the presentation that the distinction is made between a positive and a negative discipline method. A student who refused to clean up art supplies might be given detention or not be allowed to participate in a game after art class. Teachers can instead present the rule that once all of the art supplies are put away, the class gets 5 extra minutes to play a game. The students are in charge of their decisions and more likely to comply. Teachers should also make positive reinforcement a part of this strategy, acknowledging those students who are cleaning up the supplies. Focusing on the positive behaviors still teaches children what behaviors are accepted, but does so in a positive approach.
Negative behaviors are easy to react to in negative ways, often out of frustration, but parents and teachers will find that children are more receptive to positive discipline and reinforcement used consistently. There are usually many opportunities for parents and teachers to acknowledge behaviors that are desired to continue, instead of only focusing on the negative ones.
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