Ideas for Grounding a Teen

Parents take different approaches when grounding their children, especially during those challenging teenage years. While some consider no TV or computer time to be a sufficient punishment, other parents set harsher restrictions to get their point across. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it̵7;s important for parents to consistently maintain boundaries and follow through on all established consequences for inappropriate behavior. Once your teen understands what is expected, grounding becomes more effective.

  1. Loss of Privileges

    • Privileges are rights granted to children by their parents. For a teenage age group, common privileges may include the use of video games, having a later curfew or going to a special event without a chaperone. Loss of privileges can be an effective punishment when the privilege correlates with the misbehavior. For example, if your teen comes home two hours past curfew, significantly shorten the curfew to make up for those two extra hours.

    Confiscation of Possessions

    • Taking away your teen̵7;s prized possessions for the short term may help them see the error of their ways. Many teens today rely on computers, cell phones and other gadgets to keep in touch with friends. Confiscating these items gives your teen time to think about his poor behavior. Short-term consequences lasting a few hours or several days for more serious ̶0;crimes̶1; work best as punishments, but they often lose their effectiveness when used long term. Also be sure that the punishment is appropriate for the misdeed.

    Revoking Permission

    • Revoking permission shows your teen that you really mean business. For example, if you gave your teen permission to attend a concert the following weekend, not allowing him to go can act as a form of punishment. This is best left for more serious infractions, such as driving the car without your permission. It̵7;s crucial to be consistent with your rules and always enforce consequences when rules are broken.

    Learning from Their Mistakes

    • It̵7;s inevitable that teenagers will make mistakes from time to time. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents can prevent power struggles by learning to choose their battles. Parents must provide guidance to their teens but never micromanage their every move. Within the boundaries of safety and health, allow your teen to learn life lessons by making mistakes and experiencing their consequences. Take the time to listen to your teen̵7;s point of view and allow them to express their feelings appropriately. Over time, most teens will learn to respect their parents' rules when they are consistently enforced

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