Understanding Reinforcement: Positive & Negative

A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Caregivers

What Is Reinforcement?

Reinforcement is a concept from Operant Conditioning, a theory developed by B.F. Skinner in 1937. According to this theory, behavior is shaped by its consequences. These consequences fall into two main categories:

• Reinforcement, which increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

• Punishment, which decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

This guide focuses on reinforcement—specifically, positive and negative reinforcement—and how they can be used effectively to shape and support desired behaviors in children and learners.

A common misunderstanding is that:

• Positive reinforcement equals bribery — it doesn’t.

• Negative reinforcement equals punishment — it doesn’t either.

In reality, both positive and negative reinforcement are strategies to encourage desired behavior, not to punish or manipulate. The key is that reinforcement happens after the desired behavior has occurred, and it makes that behavior more likely to happen again.

Positive Reinforcement

Definition: Positive reinforcement involves adding a pleasant stimulus immediately after a desired behavior to increase the chances of that behavior recurring. Think of it as “rewarding by addition.”

Real-Life Examples:

• A child makes their bed without being asked, and the parent responds with, “You did a great job! I’m proud of you!”
  → The praise is the added stimulus that encourages the behavior.

• A student completes their classwork on time and gets a sticker on their chart.
  → The sticker is the pleasant addition that reinforces timely work.

• A teen helps a sibling with homework and gets to choose the movie for family night.
  → The movie choice is a positive reward that reinforces helpfulness.

Key Tips:

• Positive reinforcement works best when the reward is immediate, specific, and meaningful.

• Avoid over-reliance on material rewards. Use social and verbal rewards like praise, encouragement, and recognition.

• Always connect the reward to the behavior: “You focused so well during homework time, now you can have 10 minutes of free play.”

Negative Reinforcement

Definition: Negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant or aversive stimulus after a desired behavior is performed. This increases the likelihood of the behavior happening again. Think of it as “rewarding by subtraction.”

Real-Life Examples:

• A teacher says, “Since you all finished your assignments early and worked quietly, you don’t have any homework tonight.”
  → Homework is the unpleasant stimulus that is removed.

• A parent tells their child, “If you finish your chores now, you won’t have to clean the dishes later.”
  → Dish duty is removed as a consequence of good behavior.

• A child is told that if they get ready for school without complaints, the parent won’t nag them about being on time.
  → The removal of nagging serves as reinforcement.

Key Tips:

• Negative reinforcement is not punishment. It’s a strategic removal of something undesirable to reward behavior.

• It can help motivate children who are discouraged by constant instruction or rewards that feel transactional.

• Use it to foster independence and reduce resistance to tasks.

How Can Reinforcement Support Healthy Development?

For Parents & Caregivers:

• Reinforcement helps children understand that their actions have positive outcomes, which fosters responsibility and confidence.

• It can help reduce power struggles and increase cooperation in daily routines.

For Teachers & Educators:

• It’s an essential tool for classroom management and promoting engagement.

• Reinforcement helps shape prosocial behavior, like taking turns, helping peers, or participating actively.

Caution:

• Don’t confuse positive reinforcement with bribery (e.g., “If you stop crying, I’ll give you candy”). That can backfire.

• Likewise, don’t misuse negative reinforcement by using threats or withholding essential needs.

What to Do When Undesired Behavior Happens

Not every behavior should be met with reinforcement. Sometimes, withholding reinforcement is the best way to signal that the behavior is not appropriate—without using punishment.

Withholding Positive Reinforcement Example:

• “You didn’t put your toys away today, so we’ll wait until tomorrow to earn your sticker.”
  → The sticker is not given because the behavior wasn’t completed.

Withholding Negative Reinforcement Example:

• “We were going to skip spelling review, but since you didn’t follow directions this morning, we still need to do it.”
  → The unpleasant task isn’t removed due to lack of cooperation.

The goal is to teach that desired behavior leads to benefits, while undesired behavior does not.

Talk About It: What Motivates Your Child?

Every child is different. Collaborate with them to explore what types of reinforcement are most effective and meaningful. These might include:

Use reinforcement strategically and consistently to nurture a positive and cooperative environment.

Final Thought: Build Intrinsic Motivation Over Time

The ultimate goal of reinforcement is to help children internalize positive behaviors—so they become self-motivated. Use reinforcement as a bridge toward independence, not a lifelong crutch.

Would you like this guide as a handout or classroom poster? Let me know—I’d be happy to create a version tailored to your audience.