Logical Consequences Bank

When using the logical consequences method, remember to first clearly explain the consequence to your child so he can practice making decisions.  It's easier if you format the phrase in an if/then or when/then fashion.  Here are some of the ideas that have worked for other parents:

• picking up toys: If your child does not want to clean up after playing, put the toys he doesn't want to pick up away for a couple of days
• throwing things: If your child throws toys when playing, put away the toys he is throwing.  It's like a time out for the toys.  Only balls are aloud to be thrown.
• not eating food: If your child doesn't eat his food, then there is no deserts or snacks until their next meal.
• getting up and ready in time for school:  If your child cannot get up and ready in time for school he needs to go to bed 5 min. earlier each day until he is well rested and can get ready on time.
• going to bed at bedtime:  If your child doesn't go to bed at bedtime, then there is no time for reading books.
• misbehaving in a public place:  time-out is a logical consequence here.  If your child doesn't behave in a public place, such as a park, he needs to leave or sit until he's ready to play appropriately.
• pool instructions:  If your child does not follow your instructions at the pool or beach he needs to sit outside until he's ready to follow instructions.
• not sharing a toy: If your child cannot take turns sharing a toy, the toy needs to be put in time-out until he's ready to share it.
• tv: If your child cannot lower the volume or switch to an appropriate channel, the tv will be turned off until he is ready to follow the rules.
• writing on the wall: the child needs to clean the wall until the mark comes out and the crayons will be put away for a week until he is ready to follow the rules.
• throwing out of anger: the child needs to pick up everything he has thrown and if the behavior continues he needs to pick up what he has thrown and everything else that's out of place (this technique is called overcorrection)
• arguing with playmate: The child needs to be separated from brother or playmate until he is ready to play without arguing.
• not following playground rules:  Child needs to sit down until he is ready to play appropriately in the playground.
• homework or chores: If child does not want to work on his homework or daily task, choose an enjoyable activity that usually follows like for example playing outside or watching tv and use the when/then approach.  Ex. When you do your homework, you can play outside.