Most parents of a toddler have experienced the frustration of dealing with a child throwing a floor-thumping, hair-pulling, arms flailing tantrum. Even though this can be embarrassing and challenging for parents and you want to give in to the child, this behavior can be changed with operant conditioning using shaping and a strong behavior modification plan. Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behavior becomes more or less likely to occur in the future based on the consequences following the behavior. The type of consequence is either a reinforcement or punishment that determines whether the behavior is likely to increase or decrease in the future. .
Shaping is a method of successive approximations to get the desired behavior during which responses are reinforced for getting closer to the desired end behavior. The experiment that I'm using to change my toddler's behavior will include when and how to discipline and reinforcing her effectively by setting standards, being consistent, and paying attention to her basic and important needs. .
Introduction.
My foster daughter came into my home almost three weeks ago; her name is Madison and has never been in my care before, but has been in another foster home in the past. Madison is three years of age, very dramatic, and doesn't care or like the other foster children in the house. She throws a temper tantrum when asked to anything she doesn't want to do, or when she is told "No " for any reason what so ever. When going to the grocery store she thinks that she has to get a toy or candy every time we go. She refuses to share anything including me with the other children. .
When asked to pick up her toys, change in to PJ's, stop jumping/running, or eat her dinner it's always a big fight and takes a while for her to calm down and move on. My goal is to try to change this behavior and teach her how to be a pleasant three year old who is respectful, understands that she doesn't always get what she wants, there will be things she doesn't like to do that has to be done, and how to share with the other children.