Today’s Parenting Reminder:

You can select consequences that make sense when your child misbehaves.

Think about a time recently when your child broke a rule. Answer these questions.

• What was not allowed? Be specific. (He cannot take toys away from his sister – her toys or his own toys.)
• What is expected of the child instead? (He must get Mom’s help to get his toys back from his younger sister and to use her toys he will have to get her agreement.)
• What will happen, if he doesn’t follow the rule? Does that fit the situation?
• Think of a consequence that makes sense and is related to the broken rule. Consequences are best when they teach, rather than just punish. For example, in the taking-a-toy-away situation you could consider: he can’t play with the toy he “took” – even if it is his – and he will need to play in a different space than where his sister is. You can make the toy available again in a few hours or days depending on the age of the child.

Read more about consequences: The Benefits of Art, Choices, and Discipline: Part III.

Check Daily Parenting Tips often for more helpful reminders.

Next new post will be Sept. 15, 2015 on teaching children to learn to wait – something Betty Bunny was having a hard time with in our featured picture book, BETTY BUNNY LOVES CHOCOLATE CAKE.