Natural and Logical Consequences for Behavior

Consequences result from our actions. Natural consequences are the experiences that naturally follow a choice or behavior. For example, going out in cold weather without a coat naturally leads to feeling cold. Logical consequences are consequences chosen to follow behaviors that violate the acceptable behavior within a…

Natural and Logical Consequences for Behavior

Topic Overview

Consequences result from our actions.

  • Natural consequences are the experiences that naturally follow a choice or behavior. For example, going out in cold weather without a coat naturally leads to feeling cold.
  • Logical consequences are consequences chosen to follow behaviors that violate the acceptable behavior within a family or other group. These consequences are set up to logically follow when a person breaks family rules, values, or acceptable behaviors. For example, a young child who throws a toy may be required to take a time-out to calm down and think about his or her behavior. An older child might lose a privilege for unacceptable behavior.

Positive consequences reinforce and strengthen a behavior, while negative consequences help reduce or eliminate a behavior. Learning through experiencing consequences is much more powerful than through a lecture or punishment. Using consequences for misbehavior is an effective teaching method for dealing with behavior problems in children and teens.

Credits

Current as ofApril 7, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine
Louis Pellegrino, MD – Developmental Pediatrics

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