One of the most important things adults can do to build good relationships with children is to be clear on what they want and expect. Most of the times that the group home children call me to complain about rules or how the rules are executed there is really only one problem - the children didn't understand either the intent of the rule or the details of the rule.
It is important that the rule is the same for each child, and executed in the same way for each child on that level. As I stated before, discipline is known rules and known consequences; therefore, when the child makes a choice he/she is making an informed choice.
That is where the need comes in - adults need to make sure the children are informed, so that they really are making an informed choice.
Having said that I recognize we are working with children who have anger and other issues, and may have a complaint no matter how diligent we are in trying to maintain appropriate rules and consequences. Nevertheless, continue to work towards consistency.
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