Implementing Natural and Logical Consequences: Practical Strategies and Real-World Examples

In our previous articles, we explored natural consequences—the things that happen directly as a result of a child’s actions, without adults stepping in. For example, if a child doesn’t wear a coat on a cold day, they’ll feel cold. We’ve also discussed logical consequences—the actions adults take to help children learn from their choices.

Now, let’s see how to use both together. This article will show you how to combine these methods to help kids learn and grow.

Note: This blog post series is an expanded and revised exploration of concepts from my original article, How to Use Natural and Logical Consequences to Improve Children’s Behavior.

Connecting Natural and Logical Consequences

Often, natural consequences teach kids something, but logical consequences make those lessons stick.

For example, a child who leaves toys all over the room learns that they trip over them and can’t find what they want. You can help them learn even more by having them clean up before they play again. This shows them that they need to follow rules to have fun.

We need to know when to let natural consequences happen and when to add logical consequences to help them learn.

Creating a Helpful and Consistent Plan

Clear, logical expectations and consistent praise are key to helping kids learn. First…Then statements frame logical consequences as positive steps.

Instead of saying, ‘If you don’t clean your room, you can’t ride your bike,’ try, ‘First, let’s pick up the toys on the floor, then you can ride your bike.’

A teacher might apply this by saying, ‘First, let’s look at the globe to explore different countries and cultures, then we’ll play a game to check our knowledge,’ making learning enjoyable and interactive.

For younger children or those who struggle with larger tasks, you can offer guidance or break the task into smaller, manageable steps. You might say, “First, let’s put all the books on the shelf, then we’ll put the clothes in the hamper.”

Recommended Article: 3 Ways Timers Can Help Children Complete Chores & Homework

You can also clean with them, offer them company while they clean, and allow for short breaks to prevent overwhelm.

Teaching Kids Life Skills

We don’t just want kids to behave now; we want them to learn how to be responsible and solve problems.

Natural and logical consequences help them see how their actions affect things, which helps them make good choices.

Using Natural and Logical Consequences in Real Life

Here are some ways to use both kinds of consequences:

• A child leaves toys all over the room. Natural consequence: Tripping over toys, not finding what they want. Logical consequence: The child cleans up before playing again, potentially with guidance, in smaller steps, and with breaks.
• A child interrupts when others are talking. Natural consequence: People get annoyed, they don’t get heard. Logical consequence: The child waits their turn and practices listening.
• A child won’t share toys. Natural consequence: Other kids don’t want to play with them. Logical consequence: The child gives others a turn before playing again.
• A child draws on a wall. Logical consequence: The child cleans the wall.

Conclusion

Using natural and logical consequences together is a great way to help kids learn and grow. If we are patient, fair, and positive, we can help kids develop into responsible adults.

References

1. Nunnelley, J. C. (2002). Powerful, positive, and practical practices: Behavior guidance strategies. ERIC Number: ED467081. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED467081
2. Department of Special Education, University of Kansas. (n.d.). Natural and logical consequences. Special Connections. Retrieved March 6, 2025, from https://specialconnections.ku.edu/behavior_plans/classroom_and_group_support/teacher_tools/natural-and-logical-consequences
3. Brosi, M., Barth, K., Masri, K., & Curtis, C. (2019, December). Parenting with natural and logical consequences. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/print-publications/t/parenting-with-natural-and-logical-consequences-t-2390.pdf