How to Discipline a Teen

Successfully disciplining your teen requires you to practice some self-discipline. Unlike younger children, teens have greater self-sufficiency and self-determination. Simple rewards and punishments are too basic for these complex creatures. In a world of two-way analysis and judgment, your efforts must engage your teen and allow her to be a part of the solution rather than the problem.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set clear rules and put them in writing. Decide on these in advance. Rules should be short, to the point and specific.

    • 2

      Be firm and consistent. Teens easily sense any weakness or opportunity you give them. However, in a piece on WebMD.com, Dr. David Elkind, author of "All Grown Up and No Place to Go," notes that it is important that teens have some leeway. Teens are finding their place in the world and need the opportunity to practice independent decision making. Mayo Clinic staff recommend that parents be cautious when bending the rules, never compromising safety and letting their teen know when an exception is made.

    • 3

      Use consequences that make sense ̵1; Mayo Clinic recommends that consequences and punishments be directly related to the behavior. Parents should administer consequences in a calm and collected manner, making it clear that you disapprove of the behavior, and not your teen. You can ask your teen to suggest possible consequences, such as adding additional chores as a penalty, or taking away a privilege as punishment. Dr. Amy Bobrow, professor and clinical psychologist, suggests on the WebMD site that parents decide on consequences in advance, when possible.

    • 4

      Talk to your teen about the risks and problems related to his behavior or actions, suggests Elkind. Help him understand why something is a problem and the natural consequences that exist ̵1; the ones you are trying to help him avoid.

    • 5

      Be a role model. Your teen is very observant. She is unlikely to hold herself to higher standards than those you impose on yourself. After all, your teen looks up to you -- even if it might not seem like it, or if she has grown much taller than you.

    • 6

      Avoid yelling at your teen. ABC News reports on a study that found that yelling can tear your teen down and not change his behavior. Yelling, swearing or name calling is ineffective. Learn to talk calmly even in a heated situation. Talk to him in private, not in front of friends. Never threaten your child or make ultimatums. Discipline efforts should be supportive, not threatening.

    • 7

      Hold your ground. Elkind recommends that you let her feel the guilt when she has done something wrong. Use caution when bailing your teen out when natural consequences happen -- allowing her to experience the reality of her actions can help. Remember that discipline hurts parents too. When discipline works, it will be worth the effort.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Types of Juvenile Rehabilitation Programs
      Crimes committed by juvenile offenders are prevalent. Due to maturity and age, juvenile offenders are often treated differently than adult offenders. There is more of a focus on rehabilitation rather than just punishment. Juvenile offenders comprised
    • What Are Some Ways for Teenagers to Release Anger?
      Sometimes, a teenager builds up a great deal of anger. Between uncontrollable hormones, social stresses and trying to figure out a place in the world, being a teenager is difficult. However, holding in anger is not productive and can be harmful. Inst
    • How to Deal With Negative Behaviors in Teen Boys
      Teenage years are hard for all kids, but teenage boys may feel extra pressures. Peer pressure to act in certain ways, raging hormones and anxiety about their future may all contribute to increased negative behaviors in teen boys. Getting these behavi