Consistency, persistence, and consequences are key factors in parenting skills

Consistency, persistence, and consequences are key factors in parenting skills.

Consistency is doing the same task repeatedly the same way with predictable outcomes.  For example Task- morning chores; making the bed, putting away night clothes in laundry basket, washing up and eat breakfast. Consistency says that these three things must occur everyday. The reward is knowing that your bedroom looks nice, your laundry will get done, and you will eat a good meal. The consequences of not doing them will be a messy room and a delay in getting your laundry done, you will still get to eat breakfast.

Persistence is doing the same task repeatedly until the task becomes a routine.   For example: Knowing that a Task- morning chores; making the bed, putting away night clothes in laundry basket, washing up and eat breakfast will occur takes pressure off a person mentally. Persistence says that with practice perfection will come and the reward will be forthcoming as intrinsic such as knowing you accomplished your task or externally like praise for doing such a good job.

Consequences are a result or effect of an action or condition. Consequences are emotionless but can appeal to our emotional condition. For example Task- morning chores; making the bed, putting away night clothes in laundry basket, washing up and eat breakfast.  The consequence should follow the task at hand. Making the bed proactive is external praise and internal satisfaction. Putting away night clothes proactive is external in getting laundry done and internal of having more choices of clean clothes to choose from.  Eating breakfast proactive is having our basic need met and internal of satiety.

The consequence is often associated with discipline for not performing or not following through on an idea or task. These are usually negative reinforcers.  For example Task- morning chores; making the bed, putting away night clothes in laundry basket, washing up and eat breakfast.  The possible outcome is being verbally reminded of the task or being verbally chastised or losing a privilege for a certain amount of time and having to still do the task stated.  The follow up is just as important as the assigned task. Being persistent and consistent with followup sets a precedent for what will happen next.  For external positive reinforcers for performing or following through on the tasks, you could have extra time to continue a privilege and/or receive verbal praises for doing what was expected. Internal reinforcers include pride in accomplishing a task.