A recent television programme shows Jo-Rosie Haffenden who believes that we should train our babies like dogs.
Although I would never suggest putting a collar and lead on your baby:I have been saying for years that animals, children (and husbands!) can be ‘trained’ in a similar way: which is to reward any good wanted behaviour and ignore, whenever possible, the bad unwanted behaviours.
Jo-Rosie even goes as far as using a clicker ( which I used to train my German Shepherd dogs with great success).
Verbal praise goes a long way, I believe, just a simple “Well done!” or “Good boy/girl” is beneficial in rewarding good behaviour.
Giving negative comments; even telling a child off is still giving them attention, which maybe why the child is throwing a tantrum; not getting the desired attention or ‘attention seeking’, that is why I suggest ignoring unwanted behaviours.
Using methods such as the naughty step can produce good results, however, I have heard of a child who would do something wrong and then sit himself on the naughty step!
Positive reinforcements like star charts are something I have used in the past with some success.
I wish that I had had the knowledge I have now after working with children for many years when my children were growing up.
I have written on behaviour management in more detail here
I would love to hear if anyone has trained their baby like a dog.
As always questions and comments are welcome, please share on social media if you feel others would benefit from reading this.
Until next time.
Karen
x
It was an interesting watch wasn’t it Karen! Having had a dog and now three boys I can definitely see the similarities – in fact I wrote a post on it last year. I haven’t gone as far as using a clicker, I think you’d need a pretty thick skin to do that in public with your children but we do have a treat box that is filled with sweets, ideas for days out, and pocket money toys. The box is completely unaccessible to the boys and only gets used to reward continued good behaviour. #KCACOLS
I’ve always said my boys are like puppies and need daily exercise in much the same way! It sounds worse than it is and there are elements that can work for both. #TwinklyTuesday
I’ve never heard of this before and it’s certainly interesting to read and hear other peoples views. Thanks for taking part in #ThatFridayLinky
I didn’t watch the program and some of the adverts I saw for it did seem a little ridiculous. But I can see how some of the methods would work. Definitely rewarding good behaviour and ignoring bad has worked for me in the past. When my children have been really naughty they have been punished, but only with a detailed explanation of why they are being punished so they fully understand not to do it again.
#ThatFridayLinky
Oh I missed the programme! But I certainly agree with the ‘praise the good, ignore the bad’. Great advice #KCACOLS
I read about this and I actually thought a lot of what she was saying made sense. Thanks for linking up #twinklytuesday
Thanks Kate, I did too
A friend of mine used a clicker to “train” her infant on the potty. I wouldn’t say it was fully successful but considering how little her baby was at the time, it was more successful that I thought it would be and definitely laid good groundwork for later. The basic principles of training are surely the same no matter who is being trained. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time
I am ready to try anything! I was supposed to get my youngest potty trained and walking longer distances over the summer but failed miserably so the pushchair and nappies are still in full use 🙁 Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama
I wrote a post on this TV show too – I just didn’t understand the controversy as it all made perfect sense to me! #KCACOLS