The purpose of using natural and logical consequences is to help your child make responsible decisions, rather than to force submission. This method allows your child to choose and then to be accountable for his decision. When allowed to make their own decisions, most children learn from the consequences. Parents can use these opportunities to discuss the decision-making process and how it relates to real-life situations.

When Not to Use Natural and Logical Consequences

When deciding whether or not natural and logical consequences are appropriate, ask yourself these questions:

Is this a possible life or death situation like running out into a busy street?

Never use natural and logical consequences in a life or death situation; a token economy, point system, or contract is more effective.

Is the child or teen within reasonable reaching distance of the necessary skill set? 

If she is far away from developing the skill you are asking her to use, a token economy, point system, or contract will be more effective.

For example, the skill of learning to inhibit one’s response requires a more structured approach.

What is the cost of experiencing the negative consequence? 

If the cost is minimal to your child or teen but important to you, a token economy, point system, or contract will be more effective.

Is the consequence of her action too far in the future?

If the consequence is too far in the future (brushing teeth), a token economy, point system, or contract will be more effective.

 

Before Using Natural and Logical Consequences

Before using natural and logical consequences, you must teach your child or teen about your family’s values and your expectations.  This gives your child a point of reference to make good choices and provides a basis for his or her decisions.

Why It Works When It Works

This method holds the child, not the parents, responsible for the child’s behavior. It allows the child to make her own decisions about what actions are appropriate, while considering the family’s value system. It allows the child to learn from the natural social order of events rather than forcing her to merely comply with the demands of others.

Natural consequences are the natural results from what a child chooses to do or not do. For example, refusing to wear mittens results in becoming cold, and leaving a bicycle out in the rain results in a rusty chain and no bike to ride until the chain is replaced.

Logical consequences are those results a parent deliberately chooses to show a child when he violates family values or social requirements. To be effective, the consequence must fit the behavior in a logical way. For example, when a child comes home late for dinner, he or she must eat cold leftovers alone and then clean up his or her own dishes. If the child doesn’t get up when mother calls her in the morning, then she must wear her pajamas to school.

(c) 2000-2009, monte w. davenport, ph.d.