What is Natural Consequence as a Form of Discipline?

A natural consequence is a form of discipline in which the child experiences the natural result of his own actions. If he leaves his bike in the driveway it might get stolen, if he doesn’t pick up his toys they will be hard to find later, and if he doesn’t come in when called he can’t go out to play.  

The main difference between natural and logical consequences is that the latter requires an adult to intervene on behalf of the child. When a parent uses natural consequence, he lets nature take its course. Most parents will need to use logical consequences quite frequently as their children are learning what behavior they can and cannot get away with (e.g., “If you do not do as you’re told, then you don’t get to play outside”).

It is important that a parent respond quickly and naturally, just as he would if the child’s behavior had been unintentional. For example, if the child comes inside with muddy shoes and asks for new ones (a logical consequence), the parent may meet this request with understanding. However, if the child comes inside with muddy shoes and says he didn’t notice them being muddy, a natural consequence is to help the child clean up so his parent doesn’t have to do it.

Parents often ask, “How can I send my child to bed without supper?”, or “How can I possibly prevent him from watching television for a week?” It sounds harsh, but such ideas are seldom necessary. Remember that natural consequences should come as a direct result of the child’s behavior and should lead to positive change in his actions.

A child who throws a temper tantrum in the grocery store will probably never be allowed to go there alone again. A child who starts trouble with another child at school may not be invited back. An uncontrollable child may have to walk rather than ride his bike, or play outside by himself if he can’t keep up with others in games.

To round this topic off; if a child leaves his bike in the driveway it might get stolen, if he doesn’t pick up his toys they will be hard to find later, and if he doesn’t come in when called he can’t go out to play. The main difference between natural and logical consequences is that the latter requires an adult to intervene on behalf of the child.