bizby40
IMO Punishment and consequence are suppose to serve as way to teach children appropriate behavior. So in the bedwetting incident a punishment is not appropriate because the kid can't not do it next time. Punishment or consequence for playing with something that isn't theres is more appropriate. They can learn that they shouldn't do that, that other people's possesions should be left alone and-or that items should be played with respectfully. It can shape and mold their future behavior. There is a line of course when the punishment-consequence is to extreme and I don't think children should ever be made to feel badly about themselves.
My kids spilled a gallon of paint the other day. They sure didn't do it *intentionally* but they shouldn't have been messing with the paint cans so they were scolded quite sternly even though they already felt bad. I didn't go on and make them feel like dirt or anything though. They haven't gone near the paint again. Had I just ignored the incident or said "What a mess but I know you didn't mean it." I'm pretty sure they'd still be messing around with the paint. I'm also more careful to hammer the lids on tighter!
-- Nikki
