"Natural Consequences" Can Teach Kids More Than a Punishment: Here Are 4 Reasons Why! by Pepi Silverman

How parents respond to their children’s behavior can provide a powerful impact on whether kids demonstrate “desired” positive behaviors or continue to engage in undesired negative behaviors. Kids are naturally driven to seek attention, so even negative attention through punishment can result in an increase in negative behaviors. Allowing kids to experience “natural consequences” can be a great learning tool. 

• The consequence is closely tied to the behavior.
• It separates the deed from the child.
• It lets children make a choice and experience the results of that choice.
• It allows both parents to remain calm by separating themselves from the child’s behavior.

Life experiences can provide great learning opportunities for kids and allow parents to provide support without needing to institute punishments.