Parenting Tips: Natural Consequences
Kindness
Kindness continues to be a theme we are working with. There has been a lot of improvement from the group regarding potty talk and name-calling. Thank you for the conversations you have had at home around these subjects. We are hearing much less of this kind of language and there appears to be a greater awareness when such language is used. It is also helpful to bring your child’s awareness to the tone of voice they are using, encouraging a kind tone whenever possible.
Montessori Connection: Natural Consequences
One parenting tip to use at home is to rely on natural consequences whenever possible. Children learn through doing, not being told what to do. Natural consequences are the inevitable result of a child’s own actions. Letting children experience the natural consequence of their actions is a way to teach responsibility and thoughtful decision-making. When children are allowed to make choices they learn responsibility and how to best behave. If they choose unwisely and experience the consequences of their choice, the lessons they learn are powerful and can be more powerful than any words or warning we may have given them. Natural consequences can be a strong teaching tool!
Examples of Natural Consequences
- Drop a glass and it will break
- Spill a drink and you need to clean it up
- Leave the playdough out and it will dry up
There are also positive natural consequences as well. We shouldn’t forget about these and what powerful motivators they are.
Additional Reading for Parents
These are a couple of books that are on my parenting reading list. Please share other resources that you have found useful.
- No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame by Janet Lansbury
- How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber
Housekeeping
Song Sharing
All Earth’s Critters
(Chorus) All Earth’s critters got a place in the choir.
Some sing low, Some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire
And other’s clap their hands or paws or anything they got.
Listen to the bass that’s the one on the bottom
Where the bullfrog croaks and the hippopotamus
Moans and groans with a big to-do
And the old cow just says “moo” (Mooooooo)
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