3.3. Highlight, praise and support positive aspects of an individual’s behaviour in order to reinforce positive behaviour

This guide will help you answer 3.3. Highlight, praise and support positive aspects of an individual’s behaviour in order to reinforce positive behaviour.

Reinforcing positive behaviour is a key approach to encouraging children and young people to repeat desired actions. By highlighting and praising their strengths, we help them feel valued and capable. Providing support further motivates them to continue improving and developing healthy habits. This proactive approach focuses on recognising and celebrating good behaviour instead of concentrating solely on correcting challenging behaviour. In this guide, we will cover how to effectively highlight, praise, and support positive aspects of an individual’s behaviour to reinforce desired outcomes.

Why Reinforcing Positive Behaviour Matters

Reinforcing positive behaviour has several benefits for children and young people:

• Boosting self-esteem: Recognition for positive actions instils a sense of pride and confidence.
• Strengthening relationships: Positive reinforcement builds trust and strengthens bonds between individuals and caregivers, educators, or practitioners.
• Promoting repetition of positive behaviour: When children associate good actions with praise or rewards, they are more likely to repeat them.
• Shaping healthy habits: Over time, reinforcing positive behaviour fosters long-term self-regulation and positive decision-making.
• Reducing challenging behaviours: A child who receives frequent praise for good behaviour may seek positive attention instead of resorting to negative actions.

How to Highlight Positive Aspects of Behaviour

Highlighting positive aspects of a child or young person’s behaviour involves drawing attention to their strengths or actions in a way that is clear, meaningful, and motivating.

Be Specific and Immediate

When acknowledging positive behaviour, avoid generalised comments like “Good job.” Instead, focus on describing the specific action you are praising. Being clear helps children understand what they did well, so they can repeat it.

For example:

• Instead of “You were good today,” say, “I really liked how you listened carefully when your friend was speaking.”
• Instead of “Well done,” say, “It was excellent how you remembered to tidy up after the activity without being asked.”

Praise should also be given as soon as possible after the positive behaviour occurs. Immediate feedback helps children connect their action with the praise they receive.

Focus on Effort and Improvement

While highlighting achievements is important, it’s equally significant to praise effort and progress. This shows children that trying hard and improving are valuable, even if the results are not perfect.

Some examples:

• “You concentrated so well on that puzzle today—it’s brilliant to see you taking your time.”
• “You did a great job working on your handwriting—it’s much neater than last time.”

Praising effort encourages perseverance and resilience, which are vital life skills.

Recognise Individual Strengths

Every child has unique talents or qualities that can be highlighted to boost positive behaviour. Recognising personal strengths shows that you see their individuality and value their contributions. For example:

• “You always know how to make others smile—you have such a kind and thoughtful nature.”
• “You’re a great problem solver—I was impressed by how you figured out the activity without help.”

Using personalised praise helps children feel appreciated for who they are.

How to Praise Positive Behaviour

Praise is at the heart of reinforcing positive behaviour. However, it must be delivered effectively to have the desired impact.

Use Verbal Praise

Verbal praise is a simple and effective way to acknowledge good behaviour. Use a warm and genuine tone to make the praise feel meaningful. Examples include:

• “Well done for sharing your toys so nicely with your brother!”
• “I noticed how you helped your classmate when they were struggling with the task. Thank you for being so thoughtful.”

Small, daily acknowledgements build a child’s confidence and reinforce their positive choices.

Non-Verbal Praise

Sometimes actions speak louder than words. Non-verbal praise, such as a smile, thumbs-up, nod of approval, or clap, can complement verbal recognition or stand alone as a powerful acknowledgment of a child’s behaviour.

Public Recognition

Recognising good behaviour in group settings can amplify its impact. Highlighting a child’s positive actions in front of classmates, peers, or family reinforces the idea that their behaviour is valued. Be mindful, however, to ensure public praise doesn’t embarrass the child or create jealousy among peers.

For example:

• “I want to give a big shout-out to Ellie for being so patient during the activity.”
• “I’m really proud of everyone for taking turns today—it’s amazing teamwork!”

Use Tangible Rewards

While verbal praise is often enough, sometimes tangible rewards can provide additional motivation for sustained improvement. Examples include:

• Stickers, certificates, or tokens.
• Letting the child choose an activity.
• Extra free time or privileges, such as sitting in a favourite spot.

Use rewards sparingly to avoid creating dependence on external incentives. Combine them with verbal praise to emphasise intrinsic motivation.

Providing Support to Reinforce Positive Behaviour

Supporting children or young people reinforces their positive behaviour, helping them feel encouraged and guided. Support can take different forms depending on the situation and individual needs.

Set Clear Expectations

Children are more likely to behave positively when they know what is expected of them. Support their success by:

• Establishing clear rules and boundaries.
• Explaining what positive behaviour looks like in different situations.

For example, “At snack time, we wait for everyone before eating—like you did yesterday. That was fantastic!”

Provide Opportunities to Succeed

Create situations where children can demonstrate positive behaviour and experience success. Set tasks or challenges appropriate to their age and skills so they can achieve them without feeling overwhelmed. Gradually increase difficulty to build resilience and confidence.

Offer Guidance and Encouragement

Support children as they develop new habits or skills by providing gentle reminders and encouragement. Avoid being overly critical if they slip up. Instead, focus on what they are doing right and guide them back on track.

For example:

• “You started off great by asking to join the game. Let’s try again without grabbing the toy—you can do it!”

Involve Children in Goal-Setting

Work collaboratively with children to set goals for positive behaviour. This gives them ownership of their progress and motivation to meet their targets. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to keep morale high.

Real-Life Examples of Highlighting, Praising, and Supporting Positive Behaviour

Here are practical examples of how to apply this strategy:

School Setting: A child rarely participates in class discussions. During one lesson, they raise their hand and contribute an answer. The teacher immediately says, “Thank you for sharing your ideas—I’m so proud of you for speaking up!” Over time, the child’s confidence grows, and they participate regularly.

Home Setting: A parent notices their teenager helped clear the dinner table without being asked. They respond with a heartfelt, “Thank you for being so thoughtful—it really helps.” Encouraged by the recognition, the teenager develops a habit of helping out.

Playgroup Setting: A young child takes turns sharing building blocks with a peer. The playgroup leader smiles, gives a thumbs-up, and says, “Wow, you shared so nicely—well done!” The child learns to associate sharing with positive feedback and continues the behaviour.

Conclusion

Highlighting, praising, and supporting positive aspects of behaviour are essential strategies for reinforcing good habits in children and young people. By recognising specific actions, focusing on effort, and providing meaningful support, we help them build self-esteem, develop important life skills, and feel motivated to continue making good choices. Creating an environment filled with encouragement and positive reinforcement empowers children to thrive and grow with confidence, both now and in the future.