As we head into a new year, many parents are setting goals to create a happier, more connected home. If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful habit to embrace in 2025, consider this: use positive consequences with your kids. This approach can transform the way your child makes decisions, and build love and attachment between parents and children.
What Are Positive Consequences?
Positive consequences are the benefits kids receive for positive behaviors. Unlike negative consequences that focus on what kids did wrong and taking things away, positive consequences add to a child’s life and encourage kids to keep doing what’s right. (spoiler alert: this is how kids learn to LOVE to behave well!)
What Do Positive Consequences Sound Like?
For example, if you need help cleaning up dinner, which of the following is a positive consequence?
- “If you don’t help clean up dinner, you won’t be able to play before bedtime!” or
- “If you help clean up dinner, you will have a few minutes to play before bedtime!”
Number 2 is a positive consequence and bonus, it creates momentum! Can you feel the difference in the language? Do you see how you just ADDED to your child’s life, instead of taking away? We want to motivate and encourage good behavior through positive consequences, not fear or threats.
Why Positive Consequences Work Better!
Positive consequences aren’t just about rewarding behavior—they’re about teaching kids how their choices lead to outcomes. Here’s why they work so well:
- Motivation through proactive encouragement: Kids are more likely to repeat behaviors when they feel appreciated and noticed for their efforts. Look for the good! Positive consequences give them a reason to keep trying.
- Strengthens parent-child connection: Positive consequences build trust and strengthens your bond. Instead of being the enforcer, you become their cheerleader.
- Helps kids build life skills: By linking actions to outcomes, kids learn valuable lessons about responsibility, decision-making, and self-discipline. They start to understand how their choices can lead to positive results.
- Reduces power struggles: Focusing on positive consequences shifts the dynamic from conflict to collaboration. It’s easier to create behavioral momentum when kids feel like they’re working toward something good.
Webinar: Learn How to Get Started with Positive Consequences
If you’re ready to dive deeper into this parenting habit, I’ve got something special for you! Join my upcoming webinar, “Positive Consequences,” on Wednesday, January 22nd at 9pm CST. In the webinar I’ll walk you through how to implement positive consequences in your family. This webinar is packed with practical tips, examples, and a chance to ask all your questions at my Live Q&A.
Let’s make 2025 the year your family grows closer while helping your kiddos shine. Positive consequences might just be the game-changer you’ve been looking for!
If you’d like to learn more about tips to use while positive parenting, you might also enjoy these resources:
- A Quick Guide to Positive Consequences and Why They Work Better – Print Shop Resource
- Behavioral Momentum: Tips to Get the Good Going – Print Shop Resource
- 3 Simple Steps to Repair When You Make a Mistake – Print Shop Resource