Observational learning is the type of learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others. Albert Bandura was one of the scientists who first noticed that children are the most age group who can imitate what they see and try to include it in their responses. Whether it was from a parent, sibling, or the TV, they would try their best to acquire that new information. In fact, children can be shocking sometimes because of the ability to remember what they heard or saw from an adult. That is why parents have to make sure that they select their words and expressions carefully in front of their kids.

From a personal experience, I remember a time when I was at age three my older brother tried to cut his finger with a small knife while he was opening his small truck to change its batteries. When my mom saw him holding the knife, she unconsciously yelled at him and cursed the knife. Her exact words were “ You better drop that shitty knife kid”. I kept saying the word shitty for about a monthe or two after I heard it. Every time I dislike something or get frustrated I start to describe it with the “shitty” adjective. I did not just stop saying it, my mother literally tried everything, she even bought me a barbey house to stop but it didn’t work either. Until one day, she decided to take that house when I started repeating that word in public and in front of our family and friends.

Sometimes negative punishment is used to reshape some of the bad observational behaviors. Other times, it might not work. Depending on the context and the definition of bad behavior in the parents’ points of view, they have two choices. The first choice is to be very selective when they are talking. The second, if they cannot watch their words, is they could use positive/negative reinforcement or positive/negative punishment to control their children environment and behaviors. In my point of view, children are the most flexible age group. If their parents cared enough, they could develop very special children with the least amount of effort.