How to Punish a Teenager

It is difficult to decide if growing pains are something a teenager has - or are. Disciplining a teen is different than disciplining a younger child. Teens are too old to be spanked or put in time out. What kind of punishments work for deterring teenagers from undesirable behaviors? Here are a few suggestions.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. In order for your teenager to get the point, you have to really rock their world. Think about what is important to your teen and use that as leverage.

2. If the teenager drives, restrict use of the car. Taking away this privilege will really cramp their style and they will immediately feel a loss of freedom.

3. If your teen has a cell phone, take it away or restrict use. You can take this a step further and treat the child like a prison inmate – only 15 minutes of phone use daily with supervised use.

4. Remove the TV, computer, and or video game system from the child’s room. If you have a family computer, disallow usage. Change the user password so the child can’t sneak and get online. Remove the phone cord from the computer and hide it – internet access will be disabled.

5. Restrict social time with friends. No friends coming over to visit or hang out, and no leaving the house unless going to school or work. No football games, dances, or other school related events. Cutting off a teen’s social life is the kiss of death.

6. Cut off the teenager’s allowance until she meets certain criteria.

7. Assign extra chores or projects around the house.

8. If your child is a late sleeper on the weekends, wake her up extra early to do extra chores. The idea is to make your teen's life uncomfortable.

9. The most important part of any discipline regimen is to follow-through with your threats and warnings. If you threaten to take away the cell phone or computer, but never follow-though, your child has nothing to fear. Be assertive and follow through with your threats. Actions speak louder than words.

10. If all else fails, show up at your teenager’s school to pick her up wearing your pajamas and with your hair in rollers. Embarrassment is very effective with teenagers!

Tips & Warnings

• Refrain from physical harm, hitting, slapping, etc. Your anger may cause you to lose control and hurt your child.
• Consult with other adults about how to handle a teen’s misbehavior. Get ideas from other parents.
• Take time out for yourself. Teenagers can really try an adult’s patience. Take 24 hours to think about how you will handle a situation before making any hasty decisions.

[paperbackchic]

on 4/2/2009 I'm a mother to 4 teens and I have to agree that following through on threats is very important. Great article!

[LissaK]

on 12/18/2008 Haha, number ten is hilarious, but it's true! Very good and thorough tips on disciplining teens, I know I wouldn't want any of this! *****

[kkemp]

on 12/12/2008 I never thought of #10....wouldn't that be funny!

[longhairqueen]

on 12/10/2008 Number 10 lol! Too funny. Great tips.

[sneedc]

on 12/3/2008 Great tips for keeping that unruly teen in line, especially going out in public with pjs on. I wear mismatched socks, clothes, and a baseball cap for the same effect. THANK YOU.