Attention and Emotion

Children will modify their behavior based upon feedback they receive from the surrounding environment. If the environment attends or responds to inappropriate behavior, then it will perpetuate inappropriate behavior. However, if the environment attends to or reinforces appropriate behavior, then more appropriate behavior will ensue, much to the delight of caregivers. Labeled praise helps the child clarify what specific behavior/s are targeted for attention by the caregiver. This doesn't necessarily result in a eureka moment, where the child suddenly realizes "Hey! Whenever I use my safe hands with my friends, my caregivers shower me with love and attention so I'll just use my safe hands more often" (although this may very well take place). Usually, it is a more subtle or unconcious process that takes place, but it is still successful in modifying behavior.

Emotion amplifies our attending behavior. We often respond to problem behaviors with negative emotion; a raised voice, piercing stare or furrowed brow and a wagging finger. This negative emotion makes your attention that much more potent and reinforces the inappropriate behavior. It also increases levels of stress for all parties involved, making communication and problem-solving more difficult and increasing the chances of additional behavior problems. So, for inappropriate behavior, limit the amount of attention you provide and manage negative emotions. For appropriate behavior, pay close attention and use labeled praise liberally, as well as employ all your positive emotions, such as smiling, intonation of voice and nurturing touch. This is important not only in increasing your level of attention, but it also communicates to children that you are a caregiver who values them as individuals and are worthy of their trust. Cooperation and compliance improves with children who trust their caregiver.

Attending to behavior using labeled praise and positive emotion work effectively with young children or preschoolers. However, don't be surprised when you try to use these techniques with older children that they consider you odd, silly or even worse. These children have matured and a more mature approach is needed to address their problem behavior.