Resources for Foster Parents

PARENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Establish logical consequences to discipline teens

Logical consequences can be helpful when disciplining teens. Here are eight tips for using consequences with your teen:

1. Get help . Don't set consequences by yourself. Get your teen involved in coming up with a solution.

2. Always give choices . You can use either/or choices. (Either you make your curfew or you cannot drive the car on Saturday.") You can also use when/then choices. ("When you finish your homework, then you can go to Lisa's house.") Choices give teens control and help avoid power struggles.

3. Relate consequences to the thing your teen did wrong. This makes your discipline fair.

4. Give choices that you can live with. You're the parent, so don't offer a choice that goes against your values or better judgment.

5. Keep your voice firm and calm. Too angry and you'll get into a fight. Too wishy-washy and your teen will take advantage of you.

6. Give the choice one time , then enforce the consequence. Don't repeat yourself-let her know you mean what you say.

7. Expect testing. Teens will try you out. Expect things to get worse before they get better.

8. Convey your love. Let your teen know even though you may disapprove of his/her behavior, you will always love them.