As parents, many of us do not want to see our children suffer for their mistakes or negative conduct. We love them so much that all we want to do is protect them. A very important parenting tool, however, is that we allow our children to face discomfort and consequences from their actions so that they can learn that their decisions and actions have ramifications in their lives.
As Christian parents, we should have rules for our children to follow. Have your family write up some rules for everyone to follow. If and when they violate the rules, natural consequences must follow. These consequences can be creative ones. In her online article Creative Consequences for Kids, author Kim Sorgius shares some of her suggestions. She writes that first, rules at home should be simple and not give a child any wiggle room. As an example, she requires that her children clean their room. Once she comes to check, if she finds anything out of order or not put away, she takes the item for a period of time, such as a week. If the problem continues, she may give the item away to charity.
Another example is when her child is too loud or whinny or saying mean things. The consequence for that negative behavior is that the child cannot speak for a while. This especially works well, she writes, when children are driving with you in the car.
After her article, Ms. Sorgius shares comments that other moms have written about what they do for consequences. One mom wrote: “If you don’t eat what mama cooks you’re gonna be hungry.” How long do you think it will take your child to figure out that he had better eat what his mother or father cooks or he will go hungry?
Be sure to plan out consequences when you are not angry. Be creative. Your children will break rules, so expect it and help them learn how to develop character and discipline.
Read her entire article by CLICKING HERE.