What Is Model Behavior and Why Does it Matter?

January 10, 2025
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Model Behaviour at a Preschool Education in Royal Palm Beach FL

Monkey see, monkey do. It is no one’s surprise that children learn by watching and imitating others, a practice known as observational learning or model behavior. Finding the best preschool education in Royal Palm Beach, FL, is fundamental to ensure your child is only subjected to the best examples.  

Television, the grocery store, school, and home can all become behavioral models, and here, we’ll explain why they’re important and what you can do to ensure only the best ones affect your child’s growth 

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What Is Model Behavior and How Does It Work?

Modeling is the process of learning new knowledge, abilities, or behaviors by observation instead of firsthand experience or trial-and-error. The terms “modeling,” “imitation,” “social learning,” “observational learning,” and “vicarious learning ” share similar meanings. Each of these ideas highlights a distinct aspect of this kind of education. 

Children are watching and learning wherever they go and with whomever they are with. You have noticed that your kids came back from school imitating a superhero they had never heard of before. Or, after a family reunion, he may’ve picked up a new, not-so-child-friendly vocabulary. All of these are examples of observational learning. 

What Influences Observational Learning?

It is not always the case that a child will engage in a particular behavior after witnessing it; for example, your child may not start destroying things just because they see someone break a toy. They are simply learning new information about the behavioral choices of others and what consequences these behaviors could have. 

Children’s imitation of modeled behaviors is partially determined by the type of reinforcement those behaviors receive. When people receive positive reinforcement for a behavior, they are more likely to copy it. For instance, a child may pick up new words but not necessarily use them if he hears another child swearing. 

However, an observing child may be more likely to imitate the behavior if the child receives some kind of reward for using profanity, such as approval or encouragement from an adult. Remember that laughter can also be an unintentional source of positive reinforcement. 

The same is true if someone observes a form of negative reinforcement, like being reprimanded for using profanity. After that, a child might be less likely to copy the behavior. 

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The Dangers of Observational Learning

Children can observe aggressive behaviors and learn them through modeling. While direct experiences and live models can occasionally cause this, watching television and other media that depict aggressive behavior is more likely to cause it.  

Children may copy these aggressive behaviors and carry out aggressive acts if reinforced. In this environment, the dangers of unsupervised screen time for children are even more prominent. 

Without supervision, children may encounter violent, explicit, or otherwise inappropriate content that they are not ready to process or understand—even on platforms designed for kids. 

Numerous times, violent videos have been found on these platforms that sort out all the filters and reach your children’s screens. While the platform always tries to eliminate them, these videos continue to emerge. Children observing aggression, disrespect, or risky behaviors may internalize these actions as acceptable. 

To mitigate these risks, parents and caregivers must set limits, co-view content, and engage in discussions about what children are watching. This can help guide their understanding and encourage critical thinking about media consumption. 

How to Build Up Positive Reinforcements?

Model behaviors can teach your child some unwanted practices. However, in the same way, children can learn prosocial behaviors through observation.  

Children can learn to cooperate, share, take turns, and act philanthropically by witnessing others exhibit these traits. To encourage that, here are some pointers from Michigan State University Extension: 

  • Pay attention to your child’s environment. Make every effort to provide your kids with positive role models and environments that reward good behavior. If people, places, or activities set an example of bad or concerning behavior, try to find more positive situations for your child. 
  • Take note of the bright side. Encourage positive behaviors in your child and other people, give them praise, and have a conversation about them. By encouraging positive behaviors, you’re teaching them to repeat them! 
  • Reduce or eliminate exposure to harmful influences. Violent television programs, films, games, or activities may teach your child violent or aggressive behaviors. Your child may even learn bad modeling behaviors from interactions with adults and other kids. Limit or stop these experiences, and try to give your child more positive role models.  
  • Have a conversation about it. When circumstances are unavoidable, take advantage of the chance to learn. You can discuss with your child what constructive and acceptable behavior looks like and why bad behavior is unacceptable. 
  • Take your own advice. The first and most significant teacher a child has is you. Whether you plan to teach them or not, they constantly observe and learn from you. Be kind and loving to them, set an example of compassion and helpfulness, and teach them constructive ways to engage with others and the environment. 

If you are unsure whether a certain attitude is positive, try to picture your child acting in the same way that they are watching and consider whether you would be pleased with that behavior.  

If the answer is “no,” you might be teaching your child a lesson you do not want them to know. 

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Provide Your Children with the Best Preschool Education in Royal Palm Beach, FL

From friends and teaching to what they see on TV, children learn by example. Oftentimes, this idea is conveyed as a restriction to tell parents how important it is to limit certain types of content and attitudes their child may enjoy. However, model behavior is also an opportunity for you to start reinforcing positive habits. 

Discuss attitudes with your child; reprimand negative attitudes led by the example! You’re the first and most important example for your child. By doing what you say, you put them on the right track of a healthier and happier lifestyle. 

The preschool you choose also plays a big role in the models they take. Here at Neighborhood Kids, we aim to provide a safe and happy learning environment where your child can develop their abilities. If you’re interested in learning more about our curriculum, contact us! 

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7 Campuses

Cities We Serve: Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens

Greenbriar

2995 Greenbriar Boulevard Wellington, FL 33414

561-790-0808

Directors:

Rosi Dominguez

Programs: 8 weeks to 4 years

Wellington Trace

1040 Wellington Trace Wellington, FL 33414

561-793-5860

Directors:

Melissa Edwards

Programs: 12 months to 4 years

Royal Palm Beach

10701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33411 (inside of Connect Church)

561-469-2024

Directors:

Shawntay Smith

Programs: 8 weeks to 4 years

Boynton Beach

9515 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33472

561-739-8422

Directors:

Melody McDonald

Programs: 8 weeks to 4 years

Delray Beach

16333 S. Military Trail, Delray Beach, Fl. 33484

561-501-5964

Directors:

Enma Vicente

Programs: 8 weeks to 4 years

Lake Worth

6201 S Military Trail, Lake Worth, FL 33463

561-337-5644

Directors:

Nicole English

Programs: 8 weeks to 4 years

Palm Beach Gardens

Cross Community Church
2575 Lone Pine Rd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, United States, Florida

561-360-3631

Directors:

Nadine Corrier

Programs: 8 weeks to 4 years

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