The Family Times May 2018

Consequences vs. Punishments By Lauren Kolacki

When it comes to parenting, there are a million and one ways to do it. When it comes to dealing with bad behavior it usually comes down to two; consequences and punishments. Consequences are a result of one’s choices, whereas punishments make a child suffer from their mistake. Which technique do you use? The purpose of a consequence is to teach children how to do better in the future. Consequences can be a natural occurrence, for example, a child doesn’t study for his or her test and they do poorly. The next test, they will think again before not studying. A punishment, in this case, would be the parents taking a picture of the lousy grade and posting it on social media. This would shame the child, in hopes the fear of embarrassment will be an incentive to not fail in the future. Consequences are meant to help children learn. Kids understand why they need to improve their behaviors when they experience the effects of their actions. Punishments are assigned out of frustration or anger and although may serve in the short term, are detrimental to a child’s view of self- worth in the long term. When creating consequences for your child, you do not want this choice to come from a place of anger, therefore, it is important to be thoughtful before doing anything rash. For a consequence to be productive, it is important to stay consistent and stick to your guns. Consequences should always be directed at the behavior and not at the person to ensure a decrease misbehavior and not in self-worth.

Picture Perfect Graduation Celebration Idea CLOTHESLINE OF PICTURES

Graduation is right around the corner…nomatter if it is for Nursery School… Grammar School…High School or College …the time and season is very near! This can be a walk down memory lane, a keepsake of well-wishes for your graduate or both! It is “picture perfect” in every way. Directions: • Gather your materials • Photos • Blank Cards (your guests will write notes to the graduate on) • String (measure the space needed) Hang your string: • Nails • Clothespins • Pen or Marker • Box or Basket

Place a nail in where one end of your string will be. Tie the end of your string around the nail and make sure it's sturdy and secure. Then extend your string out to about the middle, and repeat. Pull your string taut to that spot and tie around that nail. Hang your pictures and blank cards: Use your clothespins to hang your snapshots. Horizontal pictures can be hung with two pins to keep them straight. Vertical pictures can be hung with one pin placed in the center. Leave a box or basket for extra blank cards and the pen/marker so your guests can write on the blank cards. You can even ask your guests to bring some of their own pictures they may have to place on the clothesline too. Just string up a clothesline and hang up those pictures and create a time line for the Grad…everyone is going to love it.

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Family Times

MAY 2018