How can I use praise to build routines?

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners

Neurodivergent learners, including children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or other unique learning profiles, often benefit from extra support when building routines. Many parents notice that traditional instructions or reminders may not be enough. Using praise to build routines for neurodivergent learners can offer a powerful boost. Praise helps your child notice what they are doing well and feel proud of their efforts. When routines are celebrated, even small wins become stepping stones to greater independence and confidence.

What is Praise? A Parent-Friendly Definition

Praise means recognizing and sharing your appreciation for your child’s positive actions, choices, or efforts. Praise can be spoken aloud, written in a note, or shown with a smile or thumbs up. It is most effective when it is specific (“I noticed you put your backpack away right after school!”), rather than general (“Good job!”).

Why Using Praise Works for Building Routines

Establishing routines can be challenging for neurodivergent learners. Changes in schedule, transitions between tasks, and remembering multi-step instructions may all feel overwhelming. Experts in child development note that positive reinforcement, such as praise, makes it more likely your child will repeat desired behaviors. When your child feels successful, routines become less stressful and more manageable. Many teachers and parents report that consistent praise helps children build new habits and feel more motivated to stick with routines.

Praise as Positive Reinforcement Strategies

Positive reinforcement is the practice of recognizing and rewarding behavior you want to see again. Using praise to build routines for neurodivergent learners is a form of positive reinforcement that is always available, costs nothing, and can be used everywhere—from the breakfast table to the classroom. For elementary students, positive reinforcement for elementary students can help routines such as unpacking a backpack, starting homework, or following bedtime steps become part of daily life.

• Be specific and immediate: Instead of a generic “Nice work,” say, “You remembered to brush your teeth before bed without being asked. That shows responsibility.”
• Focus on effort, not just results: Praise your child for trying, even if the routine is not perfect yet (“I love how you tried to set out your clothes for tomorrow.”).
• Celebrate small steps: For neurodivergent learners, breaking routines into smaller tasks and praising each step builds momentum.
• Pair praise with visual cues: Use charts or checklists alongside praise to help your child see their progress.

How Can I Use Praise to Build Routines at Home?

Many parents wonder, “How do I actually use praise in our daily routines?” Here are some practical steps you can try with your neurodivergent child:

• Start with one routine: Choose a single area to focus on, such as the morning routine. Explain to your child what steps are expected and how you will notice their efforts.
• Observe and comment: Each time your child completes (or even attempts) a step, offer genuine, specific praise. For example, “I saw you put your shoes by the door. That helps our mornings go smoothly.”
• Keep it consistent: Use praise every time you see the behavior, especially in the beginning. Consistency helps the routine stick.
• Encourage reflection: At the end of the week, talk with your child about what went well. Ask them how they felt and share what you noticed. This builds self-awareness and confidence.

Remember, using praise to build routines for neurodivergent learners is not about perfection. It is about progress and feeling good about small wins together.

Elementary School Routines: Positive Reinforcement Strategies in Action

Let’s look at how positive reinforcement strategies can work for elementary school routines. Imagine your child struggles to start homework after school. You create a visual checklist: hang up backpack, wash hands, grab a snack, sit at the table with homework folder. Each step completed earns a specific praise statement (“You remembered to wash your hands right away! That is a great start.”). Over time, your child will begin to associate these steps with positive feelings and success.

If your child becomes discouraged, use praise for effort: “I noticed you tried to start your homework even though you were tired. That shows persistence.” When challenges arise, stay calm and avoid criticism. Instead, focus on what went right and how you can work together to make tomorrow easier.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Overusing generic praise: “Good job!” can lose its impact. Always be specific about what your child did well.
• Focusing only on outcomes: Praise the steps and the effort, not just the finished routine.
• Withholding praise for “expected” behaviors: Even if a task seems small, recognize your child’s effort—especially if routines have been a struggle in the past.
• Giving praise too late: Immediate feedback helps your child connect the praise to their action.

Building Confidence Through Praise

Using praise to build routines for neurodivergent learners is about more than compliance. It is about helping your child notice their strengths and believe in their ability to succeed. This builds resilience and teaches that mistakes are part of learning. When children feel capable, routines become less of a battle and more of an opportunity for growth.

If you want more ideas about how skills like organization and focus support routine-building, check out our organizational skills resources.

Definitions

Routine: A predictable set of steps or activities that happen in the same order each day, such as a bedtime routine or a homework routine.

Positive reinforcement: Giving attention or rewards (like praise) right after a behavior to increase the chance it will happen again.

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands that building routines can be challenging for neurodivergent learners and their families. Our tutors work alongside parents to create practical strategies and celebrate every step forward. If you are looking for more support, we are here to help your child grow in confidence and independence, one routine at a time.

Related Resources

• Tips to Help Parents Reinforce Positive Behaviors at Home – PAVE
• Contingency Management Systems for Children with ADHD – Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (PDF)
• Using Positive Reinforcement for High-Need Children – Incredible Years

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].