The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a parenting video titled “Social Rewards” to help caregivers manage toddler and preschooler behavior [1].

This initiative provides parents with science-backed methods to guide children in a supportive way. By focusing on positive reinforcement, the CDC aims to strengthen the emotional connection between parents and children while reducing the need for punitive discipline.

The video explains that social rewards—such as praise, hugs, smiles, and encouragement—can effectively help young children develop positive habits [1]. These simple interactions serve as signals to the child that their behavior is acceptable and valued. The CDC said the goal is to provide strategies that guide child behavior in a calm manner [1].

Caregivers can access the resource on the CDC's YouTube channel or download it directly from the official CDC website [1]. The video was published in 2026 [1].

By emphasizing the role of positive reinforcement, the agency suggests that caregivers can shape a child's social and emotional development more effectively. The guidance focuses on the immediate application of rewards to reinforce specific desired actions. This approach seeks to create a predictable environment where children feel secure and understood, factors that are critical during the formative preschool years.

“Praise, hugs, smiles, and encouragement can help toddlers and preschoolers develop positive behaviors.”

The release of this resource indicates a continued push by U.S. public health agencies to integrate behavioral science into primary care and parenting. By providing accessible, short-form video content, the CDC is shifting toward a preventative model of mental health that begins with early childhood emotional regulation and positive reinforcement.