No single approach is going to work for all children or all problems. Here are behavior modification techniques that can be used with simple, specific problems that do not require the more complex, systematic ABC approach.
Extinction, or "Active Ignoring"
This approach entails briefly removing all attention from the child. It is particularly effective with children who are whining, sulking, or pestering. As part of this technique, parents provide appropriate alternative behavior for the child to use; when he adopts this new behavior, he receives parental attention again.
Positive Reinforcement
Catch the child exhibiting good behavior, and recognize and reward it quickly and as often as possible. The rewards can include demonstrations of affection, words of praise, eye contact, points, material objects, or special meals or activities. Give the youngster specific feedback about specific behavior: for example, "I like the way you shared your toys with your friend."
Giving rewards based on your child's behavior is more difficult than you might first imagine. Monitoring his behavior can consume a great deal of your time and energy. Also, material rewards can lead to your child's expectation that if he makes any behavioral change you request, he should receive a reward. There is also the danger that the good behavior will stop when the reward stops. However, without positive reinforcement, other efforts to change behavior, such as punishments, are unlikely to work. Use this technique only when you and your child think the problem is worth the effort.
Demonstrating Good Behavior
Parents' actions are more powerful than their words. Parents should demonstrate the desired behavior. Help out with a task. Also, do what you say, say what you mean, and mean what you say. Keep actions and words as consistent and positive as possible. When you slip up and don't match your behavior to your own expectations, show your child how you are able to learn from your mistakes.
