Reply #39: The reality is that both positive and negative reinforcement are necessary. [View All]

[LWolf]

Research tells us that there should be a 5-1 ratio of positive to negative. We have a group of people who do research, and collect research, working with our school to help us turn our ratio around. Believe me, 5-1 on the positive side can be difficult to attain in middle school ;).

The bottom line, though, is that shaping behavior requires reinforcement from both sides.

"No" is effective for the very young because it is instantaneous. If not overused, it should get an immediate response, which will prevent the child from causing harm or being harmed. The explanation is added once the behavior is stopped.