14/12/2025
Consistency is key https://www.facebook.com/share/1CrxsVbsgH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Free WHY REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS DO NOT ALWAYS FIX BEHAVIOUR POSTER
This poster puts into words what many adults notice but often struggle to explain when rewards and punishments do not change behaviour in the long term.
When a child shouts, refuses, withdraws, lashes out or melts down, it is natural to reach for consequences or rewards to try to stop the behaviour. These responses focus on stopping what is happening, not on understanding why it is happening. If behaviour is driven by stress, fear, tiredness, anxiety, hunger, sensory overload or other unmet needs, it is likely to return because the root cause has not been addressed.
When a child is overwhelmed, their thinking brain is not fully available. In those moments, they cannot reflect, learn lessons or make better choices, no matter how consistent the reward or consequence is. Punishment can increase fear and shame, while rewards can create pressure and teach children to behave for approval rather than because they feel safe or regulated.
What helps instead is prioritising safety before consequences, connection before correction, and support before control. Calm adults, clear boundaries and repeated support help children feel secure enough to learn new skills and regulate their emotions.
This resource is especially helpful for parents, carers, foster carers, adoptive parents, teachers, social workers and therapists working with children who show challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation or trauma related responses.
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