How to Use Natural Consequences in Discipline

As a child grows, he will develop independence and start making decisions on his own. He will not always make the right decisions, and, in these cases, you should help your child learn self-discipline, according to Ask Dr. Sears. Since parents cannot make their children's decisions for them indefinitely, childhood is the right time to allow consequences to happen when they make poor decisions. As long as the child does not get seriously hurt, he is likely to learn from his mistakes and become a better person as a result.

Instructions

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      Allow the consequences to happen. Natural consequences are what naturally follow from an action, so parents must prepare themselves to watch their children deal with the results of their actions on their own. If the child refuses to do her homework, allow her to go to school without having it completed. That way, she learns she must take responsibility when she does not fulfill her obligations, rather than having you cover for her, notes KidsHealth.

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      Do not rescue the child when he gets upset. If your child is always counting on your for a rescue, he will not learn that his actions bring about reactions in others. By allowing the child to truly experience the consequences, you can teach self-discipline, reports Ask Dr. Sears. This works much better in the long run than any discipline you could implement, since you cannot follow your child everywhere at all times.

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      Use the consequences that occur to teach the child. Forcing the child to deal with the consequences of his actions and telling him the reason for these consequences increases the likelihood of him learning from his mistakes. This can improve his decision-making in the future and, hopefully, prevent him from making the same mistakes as he matures.

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