Consequences

Consequences come about as a natural result of the child’s behavior. Consequences must be related, respectful, reasonable, and based on appropriate expectations for that child. The following are some examples of applying appropriate consequences to children’s actions:

Say: “Yes, I know how much you enjoy your art time. I’m sorry you’re missing it. You decided to scatter these toys all over the room and it takes a long time to get them all back where they belong.”

Rather than: “You threw the toys, now you need to sit in time-out.”

Say: “I see you two are having difficulty deciding who can use the computer first. When you have both agreed on a solution let me know and I will turn it on for you.”

Rather than: “Neither of you can use the computer today because you were fighting over it.”

Appropriate consequences are not to be used as punishment. They are to help children experience the results of their behavior, so that they may make better choices in the future.

Related training:
A Basic Approach to Guidance Techniques
Conflict Resolution - 1 hour
A Basic Approach to Understanding Misbehavior - 2 hours
Understanding and Coping with Behavioral Problems - 3 hours