|
|
Elements of Effective Consequences - Immediacy - This refers to how quickly a consequence occurs after a behavior. Parents should give a consequence right after the behavior occurs. Delaying a consequence reduces its impact and weakens the connection between the behavior and the consequence.
- Frequency - This refers to the number of times a consequence is given. If parents give the same consequence too often or too seldom, it tends to lose its effectiveness.
- Degree - This refers to the severity or size of a consequence. Typically, parents should try to give the smallest consequence they think will be effective. For example, giving large positive consequences for minor behaviors may result in a "spoiled" child.
- Consistency - This refers to how often a consequence is given for a particular behavior. If parents do not give a consequence at the proper ratio (4:1-at least 4 positive consequences for every negative consequence), it will not be effective.
- Importance - This refers to whether the consequence has personal meaning to the child. One way to find out what is important to your child is to watch what he or she chooses to do during free time.
- Warnings - Stay away from threatening consequences that will not be followed-up on.
|
