Behavior modification in children is a fundamental and necessary process to promote positive behaviors and reduce those that are problematic. These strategies, based on principles of psychology and education, seek not only to correct inappropriate behaviors, but also to promote the healthy emotional and social development of children. In this article we will tell you what exactly behavior modification techniques are, what types there are, what their advantages are and some clear examples.

What are behavior modification techniques?

Behavior modification techniques are strategies designed to alter, reduce or eliminate unwanted behaviors in people, in this case, children, using principles derived from learning and psychology. These techniques are based on the idea that human behavior can be shaped through the manipulation of stimuli and consequences, with the aim of improving the quality of life of individuals.

The use of these techniques involves the application of various aba methods that can include positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, punishment, extinction and modeling, among others. Each of these methodologies has its own characteristics and specific applications, which we will explain later.

What are behavior modification techniques?

There are many behavior modification techniques because to create them you have to start from a premise, for example, that we all like rewards, and there are an infinite number of these premises. Below we tell you about the 10 most used today:

Positive and negative reinforcement

Positive reinforcement involves presenting a positive consequence immediately after a desired behavior, such as praising a child for completing homework on time. On the other hand, negative reinforcement is the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the probability that a desired behavior will occur. For example, allowing a child to stop doing an unpleasant task once he or she exhibits appropriate behavior.

Intermittent reinforcement

This study technique for children involves reinforcing a behavior discontinuously, that is, not every time the desired behavior occurs. The objective is for the behavior to be maintained without the need for constant reinforcement, strengthening it in the subject's habitual repertoire. For example, reward a child occasionally for making his bed, rather than every day.

Punishment

Punishment is the application of a negative consequence immediately following an unwanted behavior, thereby reducing the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in the future. It is the most “traditional” form of behavior modification, because punishment is the most applied form of correction in all areas of life, even the legal system works like this.

Fading

This technique involves the gradual withdrawal of reinforcers that maintain a desired behavior, with the aim that the behavior is maintained without the need for reinforcers. The aim is for the behavior to be integrated naturally into the individual's repertoire.

Extinction

Extinction is used to eliminate a problematic behavior by identifying and eliminating the reinforcer that maintains it, but, to be effective, the suspension of the reinforcer must be complete. For example, ignoring a tantrums in children so that they decrease and eventually disappear.

Modeling

Based on the contributions of Albert Bandura, modeling consists of the observation and subsequent imitation of a model that exhibits the desired behavior. For example, a child learns to say “please” and “thank you” by watching his or her parents do so.

Satiation

Satiation is basically making a positive reinforcer lose value through excessive exposure in a short period of time. In other words, it consists of presenting the child with a large amount of the positive stimulus that usually reinforces his or her unwanted behavior, with the goal that, due to its repetition and abundance, it loses its attractiveness and the problematic behavior decreases.

Systematic desensitization

Primarily used to treat phobias and anxieties, this technique involves a gradual and controlled approach to the feared stimulus. It is divided into three phases: relaxation training, ranking of fears and progressive exposure to the feared object or situation.

Token Economy

In this technique, tokens are used as secondary reinforcers that subjects can accumulate and then redeem for rewards or privileges. This encourages self-control and motivation, and is effective in maintaining desired behaviors over the long term.

Time out

This is also one of the most used techniques and you are surely already getting an idea of what it is about. Time-out basically consists of removing the child from the place where he is, so that he stops doing what he is doing and sending him to another place to sit and reflect. It could be classified as punishment, but the reality is that it has many applications and is not always directly linked to grumbling as such.

Examples of behavior modification techniques in children

Now that you know how the different behavior modification techniques work, we will give you some specific examples:

Positive reinforcement

• Praise and attention: Praise and praise by saying things like “I'm so proud” or “you did great” to a child who just put away his toys, remembered to wear kiddus sunglasses when he goes for a walk, or did his homework alone.

Remember to choose the best brand: Kiddus

• Rewards: If your child finishes schoolwork on time, you could give him a small reward, such as candy.

Negative reinforcement

• Eliminate unpleasant tasks: Allow the child to do homework or tidy up his room later than agreed.
• Do tasks ahead of time: You could teach your little one that if he doesn't like to make his bed when he gets home from school, he can do it in the afternoon or when he gets up.

Intermittent reinforcement

• Variable reinforcement program: If you always give your child a candy bar every time he leaves his shoes in their place, you can instead do it every other day.
• Occasional reinforcement: If your child helps you with household chores, give him positive praise or a small reward sporadically, not always after each action.

Punishment

• Loss of privileges: If your little one hits another child, for example, you could leave him or her unable to play video word games for a few days.
• Withdrawing prizes: A simple example is when you had agreed to something with your child, for example ordering pizza, but due to their behavior, it will no longer be done.

Fading

• Gradual reduction of help: Instead of always helping your child tie his shoes, gradually reduce your assistance until the child can do it on his own.
• Elimination of visual aids: If you are one of those who uses posters or images to help your little ones complete tasks, eliminating them is a form of fading.

Extinction

• Ignoring unwanted behaviors: A clear example of this is stopping paying attention to a child who throws tantrums.

Modeling

• Adult observation: If you ask please for things, always say thank you and greet cordially, your children will begin to do the same.
• Peer imitation: A child learns to share toys by watching other children do so in the schoolyard.

Token Economy

• Tokens for household chores: You could give some type of token for each household task completed, such as taking out the trash or making the bed. The child can redeem these tokens for rewards, such as extra time on the computer or a trip to the park.
• Points: The points system would work the same as tokens, with the child being able to add them each time he or she performs a task and then redeem them.

Time out

• Brief isolation: Imagine that your child has a tantrum at home, you could send him to a quiet room for a few minutes to calm down.
• Activity break: When a child who misbehaves during class is sent to sit alone in a corner of the multisensory classroom for a few minutes before rejoining the group.

Benefits of applying behavior modification techniques

Using specific techniques to modify the behavior of our little ones not only helps by providing structure and guidance, but also provides benefits such as:

• Improved quality of life: Overcoming harmful attitudes or behaviors develops healthy habits and increases the chances of achieving goals, improving quality of life.
• Strengthening interpersonal relationships: Behavior modification techniques improve communication, empathy and conflict resolution, strengthening relationships between family, friends and colleagues.
• Increased self-esteem and confidence: By achieving positive changes in behavior, children develop greater self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Greater ability to face difficult situations: Behavior modification techniques provide tools to face difficult situations and overcome obstacles more effectively.
• Application in various areas: They are techniques applicable in a wide variety of contexts, even being able to be mixed.
• Personalized approach: Being flexible tools, they are adaptable to each child or family.
• Based on scientific evidence: Behavior modification techniques are based on proven scientific principles and have been shown to be effective in a wide range of applications.
• Prevention of problems: They are a powerful tool to prevent the appearance of behavioral problems in the future.
• Strengthens resilience: They increase children's ability to adapt to changes and overcome obstacles, building a solid foundation to face future challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implementation of behavior modification techniques in children is essential for the comprehensive development of their personality and social skills. By applying these techniques with consistency and empathy, you will be able to not only improve your children's behavior, but also strengthen your relationship with them. Of course, the key is patience, perseverance and love, fundamental components to guide the little ones towards a better future.