Behavioral Modification

Let me say first that I think my girl is pretty smart. She smiled early, rolled over a few times (although has stopped now that she developed better balance) and talks and interacts like crazy. The post that I am writing does not indicate in ANY way that I view my child as a rodent, yet some similarities are obvious.

If I can remember back to undergraduate psychology correctly, behavior can be modified by a few ways, mainly rewards and punishments. For instance, in our lab we needed rats to exercise so we built a little treadmill. If they got too far behind they would get a little *zap* and that would be enough for keep them moving. As far as rewards go, their have been many many tests showing rewards work. The most simple test is putting a lever in a cage. When the rat pushes a lever, they get a treat.  Quickly they learn the lever gives them treats and push the lever down whenever they want a treat. If they ever want to make the rat push the lever like crazy, they will give a reward only sometimes when they push the lever. The rat doesn't know when to expect the treat so will push the lever over and over again as fast as possible.

This thought brings be back to Frances. Since she has been born, she hasn't cried that much.  When ever she does, I quickly pick her up and rectify whatever it is bothering her (tired, hungry, poopy, or just needing me).  She has learned in her short little life that crying works. So, instead of the lever, she cries and then gets her reward every time she cries.

Now here comes the new variable. Frances hates the car seat. Let me say that again, she hates the car seat. She will start crying even before we put the seat belt on.  This is the one time we do not give her instant reward for crying. Instead, her reward (getting out of the car seat and being held by us) is completely random. The rat taught us that when there is a random reward, the lever (her crying) is pushed incessantly (she cries incessantly).

Really, she is just applying her basic knowledge to a new situation and doing what makes sense. Unfortunately, it is a miserable outcome. It is hard to perform our normal errands when we know she is going to get really upset. Now that I understand her behavior, I wish I could use my medical knowledge magic to cure it. Too bad for us my magic doesn't go that far.