
Purpose: To separate responsibility from perfection and punishment.
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Responsibility = Participation: At this age, responsibility is the act of trying and participating in the process. We cannot expect them to complete the task perfectly or efficiently.
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Natural Consequences (Versus Punishment): The deepest learning occurs when the child experiences the logical outcome of their actions.
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Punishment (Adult Intervention): “I’m taking away your toy because you didn’t put it away.” (Generates resentment).
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Natural Consequence (Life Teaches): “You didn’t put away the truck (action). We can’t go to the park until we find the truck (logical consequence).” (Generates learning).
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Fostering Self-Assessment: Ask: “What happened when you left that there?” and “What will you do differently next time?” This engages the prefrontal cortex.