How to Discipline a Teen

All parents who are raising teenagers in today’s hectic world know that disciplining them can be tricky. You have to wager the punishment with the crime and make sure that you are constantly enforcing it. But many parents lack the skills to effectively discipline their teen. These steps will tell you how to punish your teen and assure that they know exactly why they are being disciplined.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Teenager
• Ability to stand firm
• Communication skills
• Idea of a good punishment

1. Talk to your teen about what they did. You first must discuss with your teen what they did and why they are in trouble for doing it. Do not yell as this will only make them put up a brick wall. Rather, casually and calmly explain to them why they are in trouble.
2. Let them know why it was wrong and why you are going to punish them. Your teen is anxious for direction, this is why they rebel. Let them know that what they did was indeed wrong and that they are going to have to be punished for it whether they like it or not.
3. Decide on a punishment. Make sure the punishment fits the crime. Decide on the best form of punishment. Be it grounding or freezing of their privileges, make sure it is something that they will remember and will associate with their actions.
4. Stand firm and enforce the rules. Your teen will try to do anything and everything to get out of their punishment once it has been handed down to them. You must stand firm and make sure that they serve out the entire portion of their punishment so that the lesson can be learned.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember enforcement is the key here. Stand firm and make sure that they fulfill their punishment.
• Don’t wane--unless you want your teen to know that they can get away with anything.