Parenting Thought

Six things you should know about LOGICAL consequences:

1. Logical consequences are created by an adult in order to teach children important lessons about their behavior.
2. Logical consequences make sense for the situation.
   • There is a no-TV-until-homework-is-done rule in your house.
   • No TV is allowed in the evening, if a child chooses to do something other than homework after school.
   • The consequence of no evening TV makes sense. It is “logical.”
3. Logical consequences are not punishments. They are results that are connected to breaking specific rules.
4. Logical consequences should be explained to children in a very direct and understandable way when a rule is put in place – before it is broken.
5. When logical consequences are in place, children are faced with the choice: follow the rule or put up with the consequence. They are in charge of what happens to them.
6. Creating logical consequences to go with your house rules is not always easy, but it is worth the brainpower because logical consequences give children lasting lessons.

(See Sticking to the Rules for more information about consequences.)

Winter’s Picture Books

We have been amazed at how much good parenting information is in children’s picture books – books that we hope you are reading everyday to the children in your lives – your own, your class, those you take care of.  For each book, we are noting there is something in it to remind you of how to be the parent you want to be.

• A DUCK SO SMALL by A.H. Benjamin

What’s in it for you, the reader? 

A reminder of how important self-esteem is for your children.

• KNUFFLE BUNNY by Mo Willems

What’s in it for you, the reader?

A reminder that babies start making decisions about themselves and the world around them from the moment they are born (if not before).

• PIGSTY by Mark Teague

What’s in it for you, the reader?

A reminder that natural consequences are powerful. See for more about natural consequences.

• STARS by Mary Lyn Ray and Marla Frazee

What’s in it for you, the reader?

A reminder that your child has a star within him. You can help it shine.

• STOP THIEF by Adam J. B. Lane

What’s in it for you, the reader?

A reminder that you can help your child with sad and frustrated feelings when they can’t have everything they want.

Read All About It:

Sticking to the Rules

SELF-ESTEEM A FAMILY AFFAIR, Jean Illsley Clarke

GROWING UP AGAIN: PARENTING OURSELVES, PARENTING OUR CHILDREN, Jean Illsley Clarke and Connie Dawson

Surf the Internet:

self-esteem

logical consequences and discipline

responsibility in children