by Ann E. Smith

Created on: November 02, 2008

Teens are often rebellious, no doubt, and the ways in which teens are often in the form of being grounded or being suspended. Both forms of punishment have been around for decades, so they obviously work pretty well. Being grounded usually means that something is taken away from you for a set period of time, such as your freedom to go out, your cell phone, or your computer. Being suspended is typically more serious in that you are banned by your school's administration to attend school for a certain time period. Suspension often adversely affects your grades and appears on your records.

Clearly, teens want to avoid being grounded or suspended, but how to go about it? Here are a few tips from a teen's perspective.

TRY NOT TO TALK BACK TO ADULTS

Talking back is tempting, but it also can get you in trouble. It's a sure bet if you do it to often. As challenging as it may be, try to muster some self-control and avoid talking back when possible, especially if you can sense your parents or teachers are already irritated with you. Timing can be everything, and making the wrong comment at the wrong time can lead to being grounded.

FOLLOW THE RULES

This tip is pretty straightforward. To avoid getting grounded at home, follow your parents' rules of the house. Come home by curfew time. Don't smoke or drink in the house. Make your bed each morning. To avoid being suspended at school, don't cheat on tests. Don't skip class. Don't smoke in the bathroom. The rules at school are typically straightforward. However, if you are less sure about rules at home, you will probably learn by trial and error.

IF YOU DO BREAK THE RULES, DON'T GET CAUGHT

If you are doing something you know your parents or teachers would not like, then be sure not to get caught. Sneak out of the house quietly. Use breath freshener if you are around cigarette smoke. Don't hit the pedal to the metal in areas where you know cops may ticket you for speeding. There's lots of fun to be had by teens, but some things must be kept secret from parents. They just won't understand.

BE POLITE

Being polite and respectful to adults, especially those in authority, will work wonders for keeping you out of trouble. Even better, if you do get in a small amount of mischief, then the adults will be more likely to give you a less severe punishment if you are, for the most part, well behaved around them.

DON'T TELL THE WHOLE TRUTH

It's a good idea to be honest. However, sometimes a little white lie here or there can save you from getting grounded. It's not something that should become a habit, but who hasn't had to fudge a bit to stay out of trouble, especially if it's over something small?

BEHAVE

This tip is the most practical and effective one of all, and it's really the best one to follow. Just behave, and trouble will not come your way. It's also rather rewarding to do the right thing and to follow rules, even though your friends may tell you otherwise.

LIVE AND LEARN

Finally, being a teen is like being on a roller coaster. Your emotions are out of whack. You often feel misunderstood. There are lots of pressures. While going through this adventure of being a teen, be sure to live and learn, including through your mistakes. If you learn from certain bad decisions, then you will be less likely to make them again and avoid punishment in the process.

Being grounded or suspended is the pits, so hope these tips will help you avoid both. It's fun to walk a bit on the wild side as a teen, and to explore life a bit, but it's also important to stay out of trouble. And, keep in mind, that the trouble with trouble is it often starts out as fun! So, be mindful of your actions and have lots of fun, but also be mindful of the rules and of how to play the game.

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