The child needs to communicate with people in order to socialize and develop the system of values. The socialization process, which continues throughout life but gains momentum in the second childhood (6-12 years), is the process in which the child’s behaviors are shaped.
Reward and punishment have an important place in increasing positive behaviors and reducing negative behaviors. However, it cannot be said that reward and punishment are used appropriately. It is observed that some families never resort to punishment, while others are rewarded for every positive behavior of the child. However, in order for reward and punishment to serve the purpose, they must be used consciously.
Award ; It can be objects such as toys, clothing, food that come to the forefront, as well as in a way that includes actions such as going for a walk, spending time, going to the movies, going to a game with a loved one, or in a way that arouses positive emotions such as being liked, loved, appreciated, and caressed.
Award; It is neither a gift nor a bribe. Because the reward is presented after the positive behavior, whereas the gift is intended to make the person happy without requiring any action.
Award ; It is used to arouse the child’s desire to increase positive behaviors, to reinforce the motivation to learn, and to direct them to reach any goal.
However, if the reward is not used properly and on time, the reward, which is a tool, can turn into a goal. This may cause behaviors such as cheating in order to reach the reward in the child. It can also lead the child to self-interest.
Penalty ; we can talk about the prohibitions that are put in order to prevent negative and undesirable behaviors or to prevent the repetition of this behavior after negative behavior occurs.
While there may be different classifications, we can generally talk about two types of punishment. The first is the introduction of an unpleasant stimulus for the person to reduce and eliminate the undesirable behavior.
For example; A school student who can’t finish his homework can be given the task of tidying his locker, which he doesn’t like because he can’t use his time well.
The second one can be deactivating a stimulus that is important for the person after the undesired behavior or being banned from an activity that he enjoys.
For example; A child who does not do his homework on time may be banned from watching a favorite television program.
Penalty ; It is to prevent the person from doing negative behaviors, to prevent the negative behaviors done knowingly and willingly, to provide discipline. When punishment is based on fear, it can cause negative emotions. If the person accepts the punishment in advance, his deterrent will be removed or if the person perceives the punishment as an attack, he will want to get his revenge.
It should be noted that if positive behaviors are rewarded with appropriate and timely positive reinforcements, punishment will not usually occur.
