What is positive reinforcement?
- Giving rewards or praise immediately after desired behaviors. This encourages repetition of these behaviors.
How to use rewards:
- Identify activities where your child struggles to pay attention, like schoolwork.
- Create a reward system where they earn points for completing or working on these tasks.
- Allow points to be traded for rewards like special outings, screen time, or treats.
- Praise and reward immediately after success to reinforce the behavior.
How to use sticker charts:
- Break big tasks into smaller chunks.
- Give a sticker each time a chunk is finished.
- Big reward when chart is filled.
- Visual chart shows progress and frequent small rewards keep attention.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful: ADHD Resources
How to use praise:
- Verbally praise when your child pays attention or resists distractions.
- Be specific like “I love how you kept working when your brother was noisy.”
- Shows you notice appropriate behaviors to reinforce.
How to practice focus:
- Short activities requiring attention like puzzles or coloring.
- Gradually increase time as child succeeds.
- Celebrate achievement and progress.
Summary:
- Rewards, praise, charts and focused practice allow positive reinforcement.
- Reinforcing positive behaviors improves concentration, impulse control and task completion.
- Frequent, immediate, positive feedback shapes desired behaviors.
- Consistency with these methods helps attention skills in children with ADHD.
Find more information here about:
- Positive Reinforcement for ADHD
- How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Using Positive Reinforcement for ADHD
- How to Use Positive Reinforcement for ADHD
- How to Use Positive Reinforcement to Improve Attention in Children with ADHD
- How to Use Positive Reinforcement to Improve Impulse Control in Children with ADHD
- How to Use Positive Reinforcement to Improve Organizational Skills in Children with ADHD
- How to Use Positive Reinforcement to Improve Time Management Skills in Children with ADHD
- Positive Reinforcement Activities for ADHD
- Positive Reinforcement Examples for ADHD
- Positive Reinforcement Strategies for ADHD
- Positive Reinforcement Tips for ADHD
- The Benefits of Using Positive Reinforcement for ADHD
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful: ADHD Resources