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Consequences are not a magical cure-all for your child's misbehavior. And they may not guarantee that once your child starts using positive behaviors that he or she will continue to use them.
But using consequences to address your child's behaviors – both negative and positive – is a must. Consequences remind children to think. They teach children there is a connection between what they do and what happens to them and the people around them. Children also learn that life is full of choices and that every choice they make has an outcome. When you give effective consequences, your child learns behaviors that will lead to success.
Positive Consequences
Positive consequences are things people like and are willing to work to get. Behavior that is followed by a positive consequence is more likely to occur again. Rewards, praise, attention and privileges are forms of positive consequences. They can range from a few words of simple praise or a special snack to a later curfew or more time with friends.
Negative Consequences
Negative consequences are things people don’t like and want to avoid. Behavior that is followed by a negative consequence is less likely to occur again (or will not occur as frequently). Removing a reward or privilege like a trip to the store or visit to a friend’s house or adding a chore are negative consequences.
We’ve provided you with some simple tools for giving both positive and negative consequences in response to your child’s behaviors. We call them Joy Cards and Job Cards, and we know from experience they work!
