Overcoming Task Avoidance in Kids through Reinforcement

Reinforcement of rewards for kids with task avoidance encourages engagement by making tasks more appealing. Rewards motivate progress, reduce negative associations with tasks, and build positive habits. Over time, this strategy helps children overcome avoidance, improve task completion, and develop confidence, fostering long-term success and self-regulation.

 

Reinforcements may be used in the school setting. When using reinforcements, be careful especially with the activity and tangible reinforcements. The child may learn to avoid tasks. In this situation, it is important to closely observe the child’s behavior and learn the reason for task avoidance, instead of simple increasing reinforcement.

 

Natural Reinforcement

• The type of reinforcement the child gets naturally
• The most important natural reinforcement for academic tasks is the joy of activity itself. Students are more motivated to do work that they enjoy and feel they are able to complete. Thus, linking the child’s interest to do the work (e.g. writing about an favorite topic) or simplifying the work when needed can increase natural motivation to complete tasks.
• Another natural reinforcement is when behavior leads to a natural reward. For example: a child asks to borrow a book, and his friend replies “Yes!” the child gets a positive answer, which is a natural reinforcement.

 

Special Reinforcement

• This acts as a form of approval for the child.
• It can be verbal or physical. For example, the child gets a “high-five”, eye contact, or verbal approval (“Great job!”) after completing an assigned activity.

 

Token Reinforcement

• The reward will be given in the form of tokens. The tokens can be accumulated and exchanged for other reinforcement, such as a tangible reward or an activity reinforcement (e.g. reward the child with a sticker for reading well in class; ten stickers can be exchanged for a price.)
• You can create an rewards chart to show the child his progress. When the child achieves the desired behaviors (sitting nicely, handing in homework on time, being quiet, etc.), he can receive tokens for those good behaviors.

 

Tangible Reinforcement

• These are the most useful when tasks are boring and difficult, and result in difficult behavior (e.g. for each page the child completes, he gets a piece of candy or a sticker).
• Tangible reinforcements are not suitable for long-term use. The child may get used to the tangible reinforcement, and it will be difficult to wean him or her off the habit of quick gratification.

 

Activity Reinforcement

• Activity reinforcements are best used when tasks are boring or difficult. You may allow the child 5 minutes of reading time after completing school work.

 

Reinforcing rewards for kids with task avoidance can be a gentle yet powerful way to encourage positive behavior. This approach not only makes tasks feel more manageable but also builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment, fostering a positive attitude toward challenges. Through consistent, kind reinforcement, children gradually learn to overcome avoidance and develop lasting skills to handle tasks independently.

 

Need assistance with your special needs child? Curious about effective reward systems? Nurture Pods offers an enticing opportunity with their free online course.

 

Whether you’re a parent looking to support your child’s developmental journey or a professional seeking to expand your toolkit, this free online course offers valuable insights and practical techniques to enhance cognitive skills. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to empower your child and unlock their full potential. Sign up today and embark on a journey towards cognitive excellence with Nurture Pods.

 

Written by: Alex Liau
Published on 15 November 2024