Natural consequences/Laying Down the Rails

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  • August 25, 2015 at 2:26 pm
    Crystal
    Participant

    I’m watching Laying Down the Rails, and am at the part where Sonya talks about setting the timer for things such as chores around the house and if the timer isn’t met, then natural consequences occur. Can someone help me understand what kind of natural consequence could come from not getting the dishes done in a timely manner?

    I need to start with my presence, because I’m often bringing my children back to whatever they were supposed to be doing and nagging them to not run off and play. Once we do get to the point of having a timer though, I can’t for the life of me think of a natural consequence for not brushing your teeth (maybe not being read to at night) or unloading the dishwasher.

    August 25, 2015 at 5:02 pm
    Laurie
    Participant

    Following along because this one gets me too.  I think the consequence would be if they have an expectation after the chore such as getting to go play or reading time.  They don’t get their play time or it gets cut.  If they are expecting you to take them somewhere they have to sit in the car (heat depending) or on the couch with no interaction and wait if you or a sibling has to finish it.  I saw where one family had so many books the kids were read at bedtime (say 3), but if they did not get done that was reduced ( 2 or 1) if they finished or you did.

    I’m not great at these either and hope there will be lots of ideas.  My three year old likes to play chase instead of getting into the car, so many times when we get to the other end he has to wait five minutes before getting out (effective at a playdate), or we come in the house and he sits on the couch for five minutes.

    August 25, 2015 at 6:40 pm
    Cortney
    Participant

    What has worked best for our family (and I am sure there are many other ideas) is either to try again with another chore or to sit out during free time until another “work” time comes around.

    If a child does not do their best work at their assigned chore they will be assigned a second chore in order to practice their best work.  After completeing the first chore correctly, of course.

    If a child dawdles terribly or lies about having done a chore such that all the rest of us are done and ready to move to the next part of our day – that child will not get any free time until the chore is completed.  This has worked well on days we are heading to a play date or similar and a kid did not do the chore in a reasonable amount of time. The rest of us will not be late. We will go and the dawdler will sit with mommy during the play date.

    These natural consequences only apply after the children are properly taught and can accomplish the chore.  We also have a decent amount of structure in our day to support the children as they work through their required tasks.

    I look forward to hearing about other ideas.

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