Tips for Using Positive and Negative Attention

What to know

  • Preschoolers and toddlers demand a lot of attention from their parents and caregivers.
  • Positive and negative attention are both important to a child.
  • There are cases and situations where it's best not to give attention.

Responding to behavior

Attention from you and other caregivers is important to your child. In fact, toddlers and preschoolers demand A LOT of adult attention. Attention can be both positive and negative.

Positive attention

Positive attention is used to show your child he has done something you like. Positive attention includes things like praise, hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and high-fives.

Example of positive attention‎

You are in the check-out line at the grocery store with your child. If your child waits by your side, you might say, "Thank you for being patient and staying with me."

Negative attention

Negative attention lets your child know you do not like what he has done. Negative attention includes things like scolding, correcting, and yelling.

There are two key things to remember about attention:

  • Any attention (positive or negative) your child receives right after his behavior increases the chance that the behavior will happen again.
  • Negative attention becomes a problem when we use it MORE than positive attention.

Example of negative attention‎

You are in the check-out line at the grocery store with your child. If your child runs away, you yell at them, "Come back here, now!"

When to not give attention

Any attention you give after your child's behavior makes the behavior more likely to happen again. So, if you give your child attention after he does something you do not like, the misbehavior can increase.

You can decrease misbehavior by limiting the negative attention you give. Ignoring is another good way to limit attention for behaviors you do not like.

Print
Content Source:
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control