Positive Parenting Tools - Consequences

Consequence- what happens right after the behavior

Types of:
natural consequence- pain from kicking the door
man made- move
immediate - push door bell -hear sound
delayed-bruise on foot after kicking door

Effects-
Increase future behaviors-happen more often and faster
decrease future behaviors-make happen less often - slower
have no effect

Consequence can be either positive or negative-

Identify the behaviors you want to strengthen and deliver the appropriate consequences. Identify the behaviors you want to weaken and deliver, or withhold, the appropriate consequence
Use reinforcement

Examples of Appropriate Behavior
child giving another child time to play with a toy
picking up dirty clothes
making bed
keeping hands to self
using manners-
brushing teeth
doing homework
fastening seatbelt
asking permission to do something
asking for help

Type of Reinforcing Consequences
social interaction
verbal praise
appropriate touch
tangible items
appropriate privileges
breaks from tasks or work

Positive Consequences
smiles
hugs
winks
high fives
wow!
awesome
well done
nice job
excellent
stay up late
extra video time
pick a movie
special snack
trip to library, zoo, etc
bike ride

Steps to Using Reinforcement
1. Tell the child what behavior you liked
2. provide consequence for the behavior that matches the value of the behavior
3. provide the consequences within 3 seconds of recognizing the behavior, if possible
4. use sincere and appropriate facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language
5. avoid reacting to junk behavior
6. avoid coercive and punishments

Remember all children in the course of the day, will do or say something that is worth giving a positive consequence