Notice and Comment on Prosocial Behaviors
Wait, did my kid just share her snack without being bribed? Quick, someone call the Parenting Hall of Fame! If you’ve ever wondered how to catch these mythical acts of kindness before they vanish, this is your cheat sheet—because apparently, noticing a toddler’s good deed is rarer than finding socks that match.
When you call out kindness and helpfulness, you’re not just inflating their ego (though, hey, a little confidence never hurt)—you’re literally wiring their brains to seek out more of that good stuff. Positive reinforcement boosts dopamine, makes prosocial behaviors more likely, and helps your kid build empathy, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. Basically, you’re hacking their brain for good deeds—no cape required.
How to do it
Step one: Keep your eyes peeled for any act of kindness, no matter how tiny. Yes, even something like “didn’t scream when brother touched her toy” counts.
Step two: Say what you saw. For example, you might say, “Hey, I saw you helped pick up the blocks! That was really thoughtful.”
Step three: Keep it casual and specific. Avoid sounding like you’re reading from a script—make your comments feel natural and genuine.
Step four: Repeat as needed. Kids don’t get tired of being noticed for their kindness (unlike adults with endless “why” questions).
Tips:
- Notice even the smallest positive actions.
- Use specific language when giving praise.
- Keep your tone relaxed and authentic.
- Consistency helps reinforce positive behavior.
