Nor are they pigeons, rats, or any other animal to be “trained”
I have extensive training in positive reinforcement because I was a certified dog trainer for 11 years, but I will never use this approach with children.
I want my son learn and practice the skills of decision-making and taking responsibility for his actions. These are much more important to me than blind obedience.
While rewards and punishments may get the intended result, they don’t actually teach the child any new skills.
Children also be unable, or unwilling, to articulate their experience if we haven’t given them a safe environment to do so, and quite frankly, if we haven’t shut up for long enough to let them talk.
Read my article on Neurodiversified.
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