At some point in their lives, children need to learn certain behaviors aren't acceptable – and some are downright unsafe. This means they must learn consequences.

Why do kids need to learn consequences anyway? Wouldn't we all just be happier with the conflict?

"It has been noted that life doesn't give punishments, it gives consequences," says parenting author and educator Dale McGowan. "A discipline plan based on logical consequences instead of punishment helps a child develop moral reasoning – an understanding of the next logical step that results from making a choice. Children without a consequence-based understanding of their own actions are less able to think for themselves in new situations, those not covered by 'the rules' they have learned."

While very young children can't fully understand actions and consequences until around age 4, they begin learning them subconsciously much sooner. "Children begin to learn about consequences from the moment they are born – and probably even earlier," says McGowan, a father of three and author of Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion (Amacom Books, 2007). "When I cry, Mom comes. When I hit my hand on the crib rail, it hurts. The most effective early discipline builds on this growing understanding of the natural consequences of our actions."

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.