Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

I Want Your Opinion

My nephew is 14, and he is away at a residential program where he also attends school. Similar to a military academy, but not military.

In his last letter, he mentioned that in this program there is no positive attention or reward for good behavior, because good behavior is the accepted norm. Rather the only attention the boys receive is negative, when they make a mistake. For example, he just elected to run a 10 mile challenge and completed it, with a good time. At the finish line he was given his time, but no other input. He knew he was successful because he received no attention that morning!😵

Well I certainly love the idea of a land where good is the only accepted norm! I can't wait to visit! Geez.

I have spent my life working with children, and now dogs. I am constantly using positive reinforcement, and I'm programmed to ignore as much negative behavior as I can,
in the interest of not rewarding it.
This new concept is blowing my mind.

The nephew is doing great, his attitude is upbeat. What do you think of only acknowledging the negative? Does that even work?

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

firefall · 61-69, M

I think it's an excellent way of breeding soulless & selfish people, who are very good at sticking to the letter of the law.

I'm glad it's working for him, and I can see for a certain class of children it would work well, but as a general rule it would be terribly damaging.

EmilyEdith · 56-60, F

@firefall That's why it's freaking me out😳
There is a lot of other work going on too, there is group counseling, private counseling drug but the alcohol treatment,etc. He issues aren't being ignored. I guess it is sort of reality-based, when was the last time somebody told you good job just because you clocked in And out, or paid your bills..🤔

firefall · 61-69, M

@EmilyEdith Im glad there's a lot more going on there, that's very reassuring.

As for reality based .. idk, it seems very binary approach to me, there's only good or bad. Noone would tell me good job just for getting to work on time and staying all day .. but I'd expect plaudits for staying late to attend to a problem.