As a Mother of 2 teenage boys, let me share with you what I have found works like a charm!

Grounding will only work if they have a social life to go out of the house to - otherwise it really is pointless. My oldest Son, is addicted to the phone! If he has no access to the telephone or going onto MSN - his life is in ruins! I have taught him that these are privileges, NOT his rights. It is funny how they strut around the house like they are the ones who are making the payments on the place!

"My room" and "MY PS2" - yeah, OK - now it is time to wake up Son! Timeouts may work on toddlers, but teens are a whole new ballgame. It took me some time to find out what would hurt the most in order to get my point across, don't forget - we don't know what it's like! I don't know how many times a day I hear that, NOPE not me! I was never a teen! LOL

In fact, it seems like I was one not that long ago some days, and others, WOW...sure feels like it was over 30 years ago! Each teen has a weakness, but I can almost guarantee that if you take away the phone, computer, or video game - you'll get your point across. Kids are spoiled these days, you can't dispute that. They have more gadgets in their pockets that I ever did as an adult! They have cell phones, debit cards, and FAR too much freedom to make stupid choices.

Just be firm in your decisions, and let them know that there are no rewards for bad behavior, and all of the "good stuff' is to be EARNED.

Learn more about this author, Tracy Forsyth-Lundy.
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