A Natural Logical Consequence…

A Natural Logical Consequence…

 Is like a rule of nature because it follows a logical sequence of events.  

Parents need to stay one-step ahead of their children’s thought processes.  If parents can figure out what the natural and logical sequence of events will be then they will be better prepared to decide if a child can handle the freedom to experience it.  The child’s safety is paramount and the proximity of the adult ensures the child’s safety.  When a making a decision, the following example shows the perspectives that best help a child’s growth: 

            As an example:  letting a child carry a real glass.

·       Does the child really want to try to carry the glass?

·       Has the child experienced carefully carrying the glass?  If not model the expected behavior then give the child a turn

·       How upset will you be if the glass breaks?  If valuable find an alternative item for the child to carry

·       Do the activity together so that the child experiences your involvement

·       If the glass breaks, the adult who can remain calm can help the child to decide what comes next.

·       Once broken the glass has a natural logical sequence of clean up.   Let the child participate in the safe parts of the clean up…(i.e. holding the dust pan, getting the garbage can for you, trying to sweep,  making sure their shoes are on so no glass will hurt them)

·       Let them know that their safety is more important than a glass.

The above experience helps a child understand what will happen next.  It has a huge impact on a child’s developing comprehension of how this world works.   This “hands on” knowledge will transfer to their reading as they grow and develop.

This same experience also lets a child understand that they have a certain power over their own lives.  Giving a child limited choice during times of fun or at times of discipline can help the child develop a sense of what works and what does not work for them.   The secret key to limited choice is your consistency.  If you say it then make it so.   Be very careful that what you say is what you really mean because your children are watching, waiting and learning.   

 Natural Logical Consequences are also a way for a child to understand the result of his/her choices.   If he/she wants to wear sandals on a cold rainy day adults would know that the child’s feet will get wet.  By letting the child experience the cold and wet on their feet the child can also decide that it is time to put on those warm socks and shoes without an argument. So just bring the necessary items along with you and provide them when needed.   This respects the child right to change their mind in a positive way and saves the struggle for control.

There is no secret method that will work for every child.  You know your child best and how they will respond to any given situation.   It is my hope that these thoughts above will open up some ideas on situations that do not have to be major struggles for you and your child.

Gail Moore, AMS