A few months ago, my husband and I were brainstorming creative ways to discipline our four-year-old.

We found an idea at this website that we have fallen in love with. It’s the Consequence Can.

If you’re looking for a creative way to discipline your child (and you don’t want to spend a lot of money), this might be worth a shot. 

All you need is . . .

1. A can (I used an old formula can, but a coffee can or something similar would work just as well)
2. Slips of paper
3. Something to cover the outside of the can with (I used construction paper, but you could fancy it up as much as you wish)

Simply decorate the outside of the can and write “CONSEQUENCE CAN” on it. Then, with your child, come up with several consequences. Some of the ones in our can are:

No screen time for one day (that includes TV, movies, phones, computer, video games, etc.)
No candy or dessert for one day
Go to bed 30 minutes early
Play by yourself for 20 minutes (for my son, this is a long time!) 
Sit in time out for 4 minutes

Write each of the consequences on a slip of paper and put them in the can. Also include a Grace Card. When the child draws the Grace Card, you have an awesome opportunity to teach him or her about God’s grace.

Simple as that. The next time your child disobeys, he has to draw a consequence from the consequence can. No more yelling or fighting (or at least…less of it we hope).

Let’s talk: What is one of your favorite discipline ideas?