What are the opposite words for punishment?

Punishment can be seen as a negative consequence imposed for wrongdoing. However, there are several antonyms for punishment that describe alternative methods for addressing inappropriate behavior. One antonym is reward, which focuses on the positive consequences for good behavior. Another antonym is forgiveness, which emphasizes compassion and understanding, rather than retribution. A third antonym is rehabilitation, which aims to help individuals learn from their mistakes and become productive members of society. By exploring these alternatives to punishment, we can rethink our approach to discipline and strive for a more fair and just system.