PRINCIPLE: All actions have a consequence, whether good or bad.
When issuing the child a negative consequence, let it (as closely as possible) match the offense. Also see that you reward good actions on a regular basis.
Be cheerful in issuing any consequence. Do not get emotionally involved with any misconduct. Do not wait until you are angry with his choice or "have had it"; do it the minute you recognize the first offense.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Some rules could be:
Treat others kindly.
If you used it, put it away.
No arguing with anyone.
No teasing.
No sassing or disrespect.

Some consequences (with possible offenses) could be:
- Move bricks; if you don't have the proverbial wood pile but have a pile of bricks, let one "set" of bricks be moved from point A to point B (and mark those points with a short board placed on the ground; make the number in the set appropriate to the child's age and ability) (for bad attitude)
- Take out the compost (stinky!) (stinky attitude, messes made to be spiteful, etc.)
- Swats (usually only for direct defiance, such as "NO" in your face when you delegate a job)
- Mouth washing (for foul language or sticking out tongue)
- Sit ups OR Leg Lifts OR Push-ups (easy or hard depending on the offense and child)
- Sit in a chair for 5 minutes or until cheerful (for whining,
uncheerfulness, uncooperative attitude)
- Shovel snow/dirt/rocks or rake leaves (for grumpiness, slowness or unwillingness to work or do as requested)
- Take the laundry downstairs one piece at a time - no basket is allowed (for one who has neglected his job of taking the dirty laundry downstairs on time)
- Eat 5 or 10 minutes after the others have started (complaining about the meal or complaining about how "slow" the meal is in coming)
- Silence for 5 minutes (you have to build up to this one-) (for excess chatter, an unkind tone, gripping, mocking tone, etc.)
- No dessert (we reserve this for more serious things such as sneaking food OR wasting food)
- Lose a privilege (could be choosing his own clothes, personal reading time, serving himself at the table, etc.) (for neglecting responsibility)
- Serve another family member for 5-15 minutes (must do all reasonable requests such as take off my shoes and socks, rub my feet, bring me a glass of water, read me a story, push me in the swing, pull me in the wagon, etc.) (for being rude or unkind to another family member or causing them discomfort in some
way)
Keep rules simple and easy to remember. "Treat others kindly" covers a whole rift of sins, such as hair pulling, teasing a pet, not playing fairly, etc.

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