Consequences are only useful when used sparingly at the right time for the right reason.
Types of Consequences-
Natural Consequence – Occur as a result of a certain action or behaviour by the child Can Could be positive or negative Not imposed by a parent or authority figure.
eg. -a child walking on a ledge is careless and falls
-children argue over the rules at recess, less time to play
Children and adults can learn from natural consequences.
Imposed Consequences –
Imposed by a parent, teacher or authority figure
Intended to teach a lesson about behaviour
– actually is a form of punishment, retribution
eg. – loss of electronics
– grounded, being sent to their room
– removal of privileges
– adult consequences – loss of pay, reprimand, demotion
Actual Results:
Children learn that adults are bigger and stronger and can impose their will.
This is not a positive lesson and probably not what was intended.
Adult has more power
Child’s feelings are less important
The relationship is diminished
Forced compliance
No complex skill development
Challenging behaviour not necessarily reduced, possibly increased
Problem not solved although authority figure feels something was done
3. Consequences can be used to teach basic skills ( don’t hit, don’t bite, don’t run across the street etc.) to young children.
Consequences; rewards, punishments and ignoring are not useful in helping kids be more co-operative and have more effective problem solving skills. They do teach “might is right.”This is not what parents intend.
Use Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) to teach problem solving, tolerate frustration more effectively and develop cognitive flexibility.