Punishment is commonly used by parents and teachers to change children’s behavior, but research shows it often has limited lasting effect and many negative side effects. In this video, Dr. Kazdin explains the three main types of punishment, how punishment temporarily stops behavior but usually does not reduce it long term, and common unintended consequences such as increased aggression, emotional upset, and avoidance. He outlines five key steps for using mild, brief punishment effectively—always paired with reinforcing positive opposite behaviors—to promote enduring behavior change.
🎯 Learning Objectives
• Identify the three main types of punishment and examples of each
• Understand why punishment typically only stops behavior temporarily without lasting change
• Recognize common negative side effects of punishment including aggression, emotional distress, avoidance, and modeling
• Learn the five steps for applying punishment effectively as part of a larger behavior program
• Appreciate the importance of emphasizing and reinforcing positive opposite behaviors alongside punishment
📚 About the Course
Everyday Parenting gives you access to a toolkit of behavior-change techniques that will make your typical day in the home easier as you develop the behaviors you would like to see in your child. The lessons provide step-by-step instructions and demonstrations to improve your course of action with both children and adolescents. Among many techniques, you will learn how even simple modifications to tone of voice and phrasing can lead to more compliance. The course will also shed light on many parenting misconceptions and ineffective strategies that are routinely used.
The key to the course is practice. It is not enough to know the strategies; you have to do them to reap the rewards. Using the techniques on a temporary basis will lead to permanent change.
Chances are your parenting is perfectly fine and working the way you would like. But if you have any frustrations with your child or would like improve your effectiveness in changing your child’s behavior, these videos will be a very useful guide.
📺 Watch the full playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9mgdi4rNeyEGNxBvNdOVlianDYgWuc9&si=WvX4JltzYzj7faKi
🎓 Enroll on Coursera for assessments and a certificate: https://www.coursera.org/learn/everyday-parenting
🌐 Explore more learning opportunities on Yale Online: https://online.yale.edu/courses/everyday-parenting-abcs-child-rearing
