Natural Consequences in Moderation Can Help Kids Learn

Monday September 3, 2012

By Amy Morin

Like most things in life, when it comes to discipline techniques, moderation is the key. Too much of any type of discipline can be a bad thing. However, not enough can be equally damaging.

This is definitely true when it comes to disciplining with natural consequences. For some reason, parents sometimes seem to go to extremes when it comes to natural consequences.

One extreme is the parent who allows for all natural consequences. These are the sorts of parents who say, "If he falls and breaks his arm he'll learn not to do that again!" when their child is climbing head first down a pile of rocks. Yikes! This is not the time to teach your child natural consequences!

On the other end of the perspective are the parents who seem terrified to allow their children to face any natural consequences. This can be fairly damaging to children as they grow up not really knowing what the real world is like.

These sorts of parents shield their children from any and all natural consequences in life. They don't allow their children to experience any discomfort and prevent their child from learning how to solve problems and make healthy decisions on their own.

When it comes to disciplining with natural consequences, it is all about balance. Learn how to discipline with natural consequences in a way that helps your child learn to become a responsible adult.

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