Consequencing Teenagers
Identifying and following through on appropriate consequences is a necessary but challenging task for many parents of teenagers . A consequence for inappropriate behaviour typically involves one of two directions:
a) removing a desirable ( example – removal of computer privileges)
b) adding an undesirable (example – extra chores)
Removing something the teen wants is usually more effective than adding something he/she doesn’t want.
Why? – often the teenager is already involved in a very busy schedule (school, part time jobs, athletics, etc) and there just isn’t time.
- it requires more of the parent’s time to supervise and monitor the added responsibilities