Giving praise and showing appreciation is something that everyone who works with children, young people and clients has a use for. This skill can be practiced by trainers, transfer coaches, parents and adolescents. Here we have made a skill that you can practice and use.
| STEP |
NOTES FOR THE LEADER |
| 1. Make sure to establish contact | Make eye contact and use positive body language (smile, nod, turn against, lean forward, etc.) |
| 2. Describe concretely what you praise | Clear description of the behaviors you encourage and strengthen |
| 3. Make your praise heartfelt and sincere | Express your own positive feeling (eg. you’ll be happy) and add encouraging comments. |
| 4. Use physical touch if it is appropriate | Hug, pat on the shoulder (NB take care),”High five”, etc. |
| 5. Choose the right time and place | Give the praise in the moment or in close timing to the desirable behavior |
| 6. Give the praise | Be sure to be sincerely enthusiastic! Vary your praise! |
COMMENT
It is important to influence children, adolescents and even adults in a positive way. When children with behavior disorders for once behave well, one often does not want to interrupt the calm behavior. On the contrary, it is important to then give children attention to social behaviors that would otherwise go unnoticed. “Catch them being good” is a vital principle emphasized by Professor Goldstein. Give children quick praise and attention when they do good things. This should initially be done every time and immediately.
Praise results in positive emotions, makes children like themselves, provides more harmonious relationships, and facilitates the learning of new skills. Positive consequences reinforce, as we know, behavior. Praise can be even more effective if you add concrete consequences in the form of material and experience-based reinforcers. Even seemingly simple, inexpensive and naturally occurring events such as doing things together, playing games, eating good food, staying up longer, watching TV, etc. can have a very strong influence on behaviors. Always when using rewards and privileges, combine with praise and social reinforcement.
Practice providing social reinforcement. You can become a powerful positive reinforcer!