Time-Out Vs Reinforcement

Parents have different ways to get their child to behave or to do something right. One reward system that is widely used is the token economy. Another popular way to control a child’s behavior is putting them in time-out. Is punishment better than reinforcements? A psychologist has a lot to say about time-out. Reinforcements might be more effective for parents. Depending on their child and what they believe in a parent might use punishment and reinforcements. Putting a child in time-out is worse than the token economy. When a child is put in time-out, they are losing three things. According to Vanessa Lapointe, a psychologist, a child loses connection, neuroplasticity, and development when put in time-out. Humans need a relational connection in order to thrive. An important connection is the connection between adults and children; therefore, when a child is disconnected from the adult as a punishment, it impedes the brain’s ability to regulate emotions. The next thing a child can lose is neuroplasticity. Frequent experiences become incorporated into the child’s blueprint for life. The child can expect that feeling upset or out of control will lead to isolation. Then the child will get more upset from being isolated. The last thing they lose is development. Children cannot follow through what they are asked to. Self-control comes gradually through brain experience. Time-out is also considered a punishment. When a
Some parents will do both and some will do neither. They both can be effective if used the correct way. With reinforcements, you have more choices as to when and how you want to reinforce. You can do it continuously, partially, or on a fixed ratio schedule. With punishment, you are more limited. You have the option to removal something from them or spank them. It has been proven that the token economy can work. Pick which one works best for the child and use