Appropriate Punishments for Teens

Reprimand your teenager healthfully. Employ methods that communicate your seriousness and the unconditional love you have for your child. Use appropriate punishments that have some impact on your child but are not cruel. When you use appropriate punishments to reprimand your teenager, the end goal is always to teach your child a lesson that will put him on the path to being a productive and happy adult.

  1. Rewards-Based Punishments

    • Rather than punish your child for not cleaning his room, be proactive and tell your child that he can't do something he wants to do until he cleans his room. By doing this, you establish what action you will take if the chore is not done, and the child's expectations and punishment for not meeting those expectations are clearly outlined. Use this method when assigning chores like lawn duty or homework. Choose your wording carefully because the punishment only applies if he has ignored your earlier warning. If he does not do the chore, be firm and follow through with the promised consequence.

    Assign Physical Labor

    • Give your child a physical consequence when she breaks a rule. The practical application of this method is similar to the way coaches discipline their charges. When a player doesn't do what he is told, he's assigned a number of pushups or laps to complete before he can continue practicing or playing a game. Similarly, when your child's behavior does not meet your expectations, assign hard labor. For example, have your child take out the trash for a week, cut the grass, do the laundry or cook a meal.

    Take Away Favorite Electronic Device

    • Take away the child's favorite electronic device. Whether it's a laptop or a cell phone, teenagers respond when you take away their electronic addictions. Set a specific time that the item will be out of their possession. If she must use the item for school work, set an egg timer and make sure the item is only used for that purpose during the allotted time. Supervise the activity to ensure additional time is not spent on prohibited activities like email or texting.

    Talk

    • Spend time discussing the problem with your teen. You may find the issues bothering you are not intentional and can be stopped with a simple request. In other cases, your teenager has a major problem and needs your support. Behavior issues with a teen are often cries for help, and as a parent you have to listen and respond appropriately. After learning what is troubling your child and communicating what is bothering you, create a Home Rules contract with your child.

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