Negative Reinforcement
Criticism can help us grow, but negative reinforcement can sometimes discourage us from growing. When met with negativity, our natural tendency is to retract. We have a choice whether to view something as desirable or undesirable. Our thoughts create our emotions. If we view a lesson as positive, then we will learn happily. Conversely, we will learn grumpily. ^_^ When in a position to mentor or nurture someone, if we give our feedback in a positive way, we could encourage creativity, experimentation, and growth. Below are two scenarios, each with two or three responses for comparative purposes. A) Your child spilled milk on the table. 1) My brother and his wife would say, "Told you to be careful! See what a mess you have made? Stop fidgeting and sit still while you drink." 2) I would say, "Ops!" Then I would help clean up the table. 3) A suggested response would be, "Oh, how pretty! Look at all the white liquid running...