Logical consequences are options you suggest to your child. They are different from natural consequences because they are presented by you instead of nature or society. You should choose consequences directly related to the unacceptable behavior. For example, if your child skips a chore have her do an extra chore; don't take away TV. If she leaves a mess, have her clean two rooms; don't ground her for a week.
Other examples include:
- You may turn the volume down or use headphones or listen to the radio in your room.
- If your toys are not picked up before bedtime, they will be put in this box at the back of the basem*nt.
- If you won't change out of your good clothes, stay in the house and find something to do inside.
You can give positive and negative consequences.
Positive consequences are things your children like. This varies for different kids. Examples of positive consequences are:
- After you can clean your room, we can go play catch.
- You may watch TV when you finish your homework.
Negative consequences are things your child does not like. Some examples are:
- If you are not home in time for dinner, you may not go to the movie.
- If you don't bring your bike into the garage, you will not be allowed to ride it tomorrow.
- If you will not honor my request for help then I will not honor your request for a ride to a friend's house.
It is important to emphasize the positive. Give more positive consequences than negative.
Test Your Knowledge!
Choose a response to each situation below using logical consequences when appropriate. Click the letter next to the response you choose.
1. Situation: Victor leaves his tricycle outside.
A You leave the tricycle outside and tell Victor, "If you leave your bike out it will rust or be stolen."
B You put the tricycle in the garage.
C You tell Victor, "If you don't bring that tricycle in, you will not be allowed to use it tomorrow."
2. Situation: Gabriel refuses to wear a coat outside even though it is cold and rainy.
A You say, "Don't be ridiculous!" and put the coat on him.
B You say, "If you won't put your coat on, you will have to play indoors."
C You allow him to go outside without his coat.
3. Situation: Kim leaves food in her room.
A You make her eat the moldy old food.
B You don't interfere.
C You say, "If you do not throw away that food by dinnertime, you will not be getting any dessert."
4. 
Situation: Shantelle forgets to take the garbage out.
A You tell her she must take it to the dump and pay the fee herself.
B You take it out and don't say anything to her.
No, if you take the garbage out Shantelle will learn that she doesn't have to do it. She will probably continue to forget to do it (and other chores), having learned that parents take care of chores for her. Try again.
C You say, "You never do any work around here and I'm sick and tired of it! You're grounded for a week."
