Think of a kid you know, who does naughty things in school, at home, or in even your neighborhood. If the kid did something naughty at school, the teacher might say, “I’m sorry but I am not taking you on the field trip. How can I trust that you will behave on the field trip? You are representing our school.” The kid really wanted to go on the field trip and started crying.

Now, let's say you and a friend were riding your bikes together up and down the street. Suddenly, your friend turns to you and says, “Wouldn’t it be funny if we let the air out of someone’s car tires?” You immediately say, “That’s not funny. What if they have to go to work or have an emergency?” Your friend doesn’t care about what you say and goes ahead and lets the air out of someone’s tires. Suddenly, the neighbor comes out yelling. You are both caught. Of course, you immediately say, “It wasn’t me. He did it. I was just watching him.” The neighbor goes to both of your parents’ houses and tells them what you both did. Now, your parents and your friend’s parents have to buy the neighbor 4 new tires or go to court. The total cost is $560.. Your parents and your friend’s parents are furious with you both. Both of you receive 2 consequences: (1) You have to clean out and paint your neighbor’s garage. It is packed to the garage door with boxes and newspapers; There are even a few dead mice in the garage because there is so much stuff in the garage; and (2) You are each not allowed to ride your bike outside for 2 months.


Do you think consequences work? Do they encourage a person to learn their lesson and change their behavior? Explain.