Understanding Consequences

This tip brought to you by our Dad Guru John Valadez on Mar 02, 2010

Isaac Newton’s third law of motion states: “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.” If you are thinking what does physics have to do with raising children then you are asking a good question. When it come to parenting the literal meaning is more important than the implied reasoning by Sir Isaac. Every time a child expresses an unwanted behavior, like taking a piece of candy from a store shelf and putting it in their pocket, you have to enforce a consequence.

Children must understand one basic principle - my action will warrant a reaction.

When children begin to understand consequences, then they begin to become consciously aware. If children do not understand consequences, then not only will the unwanted behavior continue but it will worsen. That doesn’t sound too promising if your child becomes accustomed to taking items that do not belong to them in the first place. Consistent, nonviolent discipline will assist a healthy child in understanding consequences and how to make good choices.