This week on Parenting Behavior, we’re sharing an episode of another great Understood.org podcast, In It, where Dr. Andy Kahn is a regular guest. The show is all about raising kids who learn and think differently.

On this episode, Andy joins the In It hosts to talk about a big parenting debate: Bribes vs. rewards.

You probably know how it goes: Your child is refusing to do something that, to you, seems super reasonable. Do you offer them a reward to get them to cooperate? Where is the line between bribery and rewarding a child? Will that ruin them?

Listen to get Andy’s expert advice, and follow In It wherever you get your podcasts.

Related resources

• What are positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS)?
• 7 ideas for using rewards and consequences
• The power of motivation for kids who learn and think differently
• How to give praise that builds kids’ self-esteem
• “I’m not yelling—you’re yelling!” Tips for staying calm when kids act out

Timestamps

(1:22) The difference between a bribe and a reward

(5:08) Pairing verbal praise with reinforcement

(8:31) How close to the behavior should the reward be

(16:03) Money as a reward

(21:08) Behavior charts and LTDs

(25:14) Helping kids change behaviors

For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page at Understood.org

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

There’s nothing quite as heartbreaking as the question, “Is my child lonely?”

It’s common for parents to worry if a child is having challenges connecting, or if their social skills seem like they're not aligned with their peers.

But it’s also important to consider our perceptions as parents. Are the concerns legit, or do we just need to look differently at our child?

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn talks about loneliness and social skills for kids.

For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.org

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

Related resources

• Why kids who learn and think differently might feel lonely
• My child likes being alone. Does this mean he’s lonely?
• What to do when kids say “no one will play with me”

Timestamps

(00:51) Is it loneliness, or is it you?

(03:00) How does your child feel about the situation?

(06:09) How do I help my child with social struggles?

(09:51) Quick recap

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Sometimes, our kids just won’t try anything new. This can be something small, like not wanting to try a new food. But it can also be a bigger issue, like your child refusing to go to a new after-school activity they’ve joined.

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will talk about how to get your child to engage in new activities, especially those that make them feel afraid or anxious.

Related resources

• What is growth mindset?
• Why kids have trouble following a routine or schedule
• Behavior: What is it, and how can parents affect it?

Timestamps

(0:47) Coping with discomfort

(4:11) Developing a “growth mindset”

(6:37) Watch-outs for parents

For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.org

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give