- Joined
- Dec 3, 2009
- Messages
- 52,009
- Reaction score
- 33,944
- Location
- The Golden State
- Gender
- Male
- Political Leaning
- Independent
My son totaled his truck when he was 16. No one was hurt thank God but he didn't think he should be punished. I put his little ass on the bus for 6 months and he not only never had another wreck but he never got a ticket or into much trouble. It was the best punishment I ever gave him.
Having to ride the bus because of having wrecked your truck is just a natural consequence. If there is a consequence to the teen's actions, the best way to handle it is to let them accept that consequence and move forward.
There are two basic approaches to discipline: The "the stove is hot" approach, and the "don't touch the stove" approach. They may sound the same, but are quite different.
The stove is hot is a warning. If the child does not heed the warning, he burns his fingers and learns the natural consequence to his actions.
Don't touch the stove is a command. The child touches the stove, and is burned for disobedience.
You wrecked your truck, and now have to ride the bus is a consequence, not a punishment. It's the best way to handle problems and teach kids responsibility.
Public humiliation is probably the worst way to handle problems with teens.