How to Discipline Teenagers Regarding Car Privileges

A teenager̵7;s driving privileges may be one of her most prized possessions because they often symbolize freedom and independence. To ensure that your teenager stays safe and conducts herself within your communicated boundaries, it̵7;s necessary to institute clear rules and connected consequences. An effective consequence for misbehavior may involve a teenager̵7;s car privileges. With a positive and loving approach, you can discipline your teenager proactively and effectively to help her learn appropriate conduct.

Instructions

    • 1

      Institute clear and concise rules regarding your teenager̵7;s driving privileges. Because driving involves significant responsibility and the possibility for serious mistakes, it̵7;s imperative that your teenager understand your expectations perfectly. For example, your rules may include the number of passengers your teen can have in the vehicle, use of cell phone while your teen has the car, boundaries for where he takes the car, a set curfew for when he returns, checking in with you periodically by cell phone when he̵7;s out with the car and a requirement to replace gas he̵7;s used.

    • 2

      Communicate connected consequences for breaking rules with your teenager so she understands what will happen if she breaks the rules. Just as it̵7;s important to set rules and communicate them, it̵7;s equally important to attach a consequence to encourage accountability and responsibility. An effective consequence for breaking a car rule would be the loss of car privileges for a specific number of days, depending on the infraction.

    • 3

      Monitor and supervise your teen̵7;s use of the car to ensure compliance with the rules. It̵7;s common for teenagers to make mistakes and have lapses in judgment from time to time, states the East Central Mental Health Center. It̵7;s likely that your teen may break rules as he learns to operate within stated boundaries.

    • 4

      Talk about a rule infraction, if it happens. Use a calm and rational voice and approach your teen respectfully and reasonably to discuss the situation. For example, if your teenager didn̵7;t replace gas used or she broke curfew, you would tell her the connected consequence. Without drama or emotion, simply institute the consequence you promised to show your teenager that you will follow through with the promised consequence. This conversation might sound like, ̶0;I noticed that you didn̵7;t replace the gas you used last night. The next time you can use the car will be tomorrow, as we discussed.̶1;

    • 5

      Remain consistent with your teenager regarding rules and consequences connected to car privileges. Your consistency teaches accountability and responsibility to your teen, in addition to building trust between you and your teen as you follow through and keep your word, advises licensed marriage and family therapist Judith Rader.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Deal With Manipulative Teenagers
      Parenting teenagers is not always an easy task. They argue with their parents and are not always honest about where they are going. Some teenagers may even manipulate their parents to get what they want. Manipulative behaviors include flattery, threa
    • How to Recognize Gang Affiliation Behavior in Kids
      Gangs are infiltrating suburban and rural neighbothoods and schools in every socioeconomic level. No areas are exempt now from gang violence as gangs are actively recruiting on playgrounds, in schoolyards and through the internet. Gang members no lon
    • How Do I Punish a 17-Year-Old?
      Its inevitable; the closer your teenager comes to being a legal adult, the more shes going to push the boundaries of your restrictions and do things her own way. Punishing a 17-year-old is a delicate balance. You dont want to push so hard that she re