Tip--When your children break rules, be able to consistently offer a reasonable consequence in a calm fashion.
Keep in mind--Many parents confuse consequences with threats. The intent of a threat is to intimidate a child into obedience-- for example, "Let go of the vase or I'll spank your hand." A threat is not always carried out, and when it is, a threat functions more like a punishment.
The intent of a consequence is to guide or to teach--for example, "Let go of the vase or you'll have to play in the other room." A consequence offers a true choice and is delivered calmly.
Consequences can be natural or logical. A natural consequence automatically follows the behavior: a child runs out into the snow without shoes and he gets cold. A logical consequence is delivered by the parent: a child runs out into the snow without shoes and his mom carries him back into the house.