Page 78 - The Intentional Parent

things you do for him or her are optional and do not occur without respect or appreciation. Hence, if talking about consequences fails to work, you must help your child learn that the “natural consequence” of bad behavior is a lack of motivation on your part to provide “the extras” that most parents provide numerous times a day. You are under no obligation to drive, fetch, buy and reward a child with privileges that are returned with negative, demanding and unappreciative behavior from your kids.
When you do apply consequences, make sure you stick to your guns, and do not lay out a consequence that is impossible to deliver or enforce, because it will weaken your family leadership role.
The Intentional Parent by Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D. 78