"Consequences Don't Work With My Kid!"
Briefly

The article discusses the ineffectiveness of punitive measures, like taking away a child's phone, citing that such penalties often lead to escalated misbehavior, especially among oppositional children. The author highlights that consequences need to be understood beyond mere punishment. Instead of traditional punishment, the 'Pause, Earn, and Return' strategy is suggested, where screen time is temporarily paused until positive behavior is observed, incentivizing children immediately to behave better. This method contrasts sharply with punitive penalties and focuses on constructive engagement with children.
When punishments, such as losing a phone, are imposed on children, they often feel they have nothing left to lose, leading them to escalate their negative behavior.
The traditional approach of using penalties for misbehavior fails because it can create increased opposition in kids, especially when consequences are time-based and not constructive.
An alternative to punishment is the 'Pause, Earn, and Return' method, which pauses screen time until the child shows improved behavior, reinforcing positive actions without escalation.
Not all consequences are the same; understanding the differences can help parents utilize more effective strategies to encourage good behavior in their children.
Read at Psychology Today
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