How to Ground Teenagers

Discipline can be a challenging part of parenting. Often parents worry if they are too strict, not strict enough, or if a different punishment could have changed a teenager's behavior. Consistency and solid groundwork are important facets of successful discipline. If you feel you've made a mistake with grounding in the past, all is not lost. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, adjustments in discipline can always be made and parents should take steps to choose their battles.

Instructions

• 1

  Lay a foundation of discipline throughout the teen's life. Set boundaries around issues such as homework and bedtimes as the child is growing up and enforce those boundaries. By the time your child has reached her teenage years, she will know your actions will be backed up by appropriate action. Enforce the positive actions of your child in conjunction with enforcing discipline; if a child consistently meets curfew and maintains good grades, allow the curfew to be extended for a special occasion.

• 2

  Ground your teenager when you are not in a state of anger. Anger can cloud your judgment in the moment and lead you to say something inappropriate. Tell your teenager you will discuss the situation and take some time to calm down before you broach the topic again.

• 3

  Impose a grounding period that you are prepared to enforce and that will not cause an intense backlash from your teen. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the most effective punishments are short-term, lasting a few hours or days. Long-term punishments, such as a month, create the risk that the teenager will rebel against you. The teenager may think if she's grounded for such a long time already, there is not much greater punishment she can suffer. She may, for example, sneak out of the house as a result.

• 4

  Include a conversation with your teen about that led to the grounding. Ask her why she acted the way she did. Let her know how she could have acted differently and made different choices. For example, if she drove home with strangers after a party, inform her that she could have called you for a ride.

• 5

  Both parents must work together and remain consistent. If you and your spouse have different parenting styles, decide on the punishment together and show a united front to your teen. The child will not be able to use one parent's permissiveness to the detriment of the other parent's discipline. This will also send a clear message to your teenager about what is expected of her and she will gain respect for your authority in the process.