High Fives, fist bumps, hugs, thumbs up, and verbal praise are some of the many types of reinforcement that are powerful tools in shaping new desirable behaviors. In this podcast episode, the listener will learn that reinforcement is much more than handing out M&M’s.
We discuss the research that supports the effectiveness of at least 2 to 3 times more verbal praise given than redirection or reprimand; what I call a Praise Cushion.
The listener will hear about the difference between Praise for Doing versus Praise for Being, a topic I wish I had discovered when my own kids were younger.
Gregg admits that he identifies with those who may feel unskilled or awkward with verbal praise. We discuss that our joy becomes full when we speak words of affirmation to others, even on our tiredest, weariest, compassion-fatigued days, it can lift your soul.
One of the scriptures that Gregg discusses that paints a beautiful image of the power of positive words of affirmation is from Proverbs 25:11. It says a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Resources/Links:
I have listed my 7 favorite words of affirmation on my website here (link here )
Two books I recommend:
The following recommendations are affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Thanks.
The Power of Positive Parenting by Dr Glenn I. Lantham
Principles of Everyday Behavior Analysis by L. Keith Miller
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