Disciplining Teen Boys
When kids are little, parents employ a variety of discipline tactics. Time-out chairs, standing with their nose in a corner, tapping the back of their hands, making them go to bed early, etc. They try to gauge the child's reaction to different forms of discipline, and learn to use whatever discipline seems to bring about the best results. But for whatever reason, when boys get past the age of 10 or 12, a lot of parents say, "The only thing you can do from that point forward is take away privileges." But there's a problem with that. Troubled boys, when they hear, "You can't play video games," find a way to get that video game and play it anyway. When they're told, "You can't leave the house," they'll sneak out. When they're told, "You can't use your cell phone," they'll get a hold of somebody else's. If you have that type of son, you need some consequences in mind that he has to accept.
Repetitive writing assignments work well - as long as you have a certain privilege you can withhold until the writing assignment is completed. Like no more playing ball. Or no more having your friends over. Or no more trips to the mall. Have him write 100, 200, or 500 sentences depending upon the offense and how often it's been repeated.
Corporal punishment is a good deterrent for most teens, even though a lot of folks feel they're too old for it. You'd be amazed at the effective of doing things God's way. He really does know what He's talking about. Sure, the first couple of times you spank him will be awkward for both of you. But after you do it a couple of times, if you give him the choice of a spanking or writing repetitive sentences, more than likely he will opt for the spanking. I'm not saying the spanking should be easy. Being a teen, more than likely your hand won't do the trick. You will likely need to use something like a belt, paddle, or brush. Be sure to check your state laws though. Some states' laws make it very difficult to use corporal punishment. In cases like that, you have to decide what to do. Stay there and not use corporal punishment, stay there and use it, hoping you don't face off against the government, or move to a state that gives you more rights to parent your teen as you see fit. If you're going to spank, make sure you don't do it when you're angry. Make sure you're fully in control of what you're doing and not allowing your emotions to be in control. Don't be excessive/abusive, but get the point across. Don't hit his back or sides or face or neck. Be careful to spank appropriately every time you spank. (With teenage boys, it is better there's a male who can give the spankings)
Extra chores like cleaning the bathroom, picking up dog manure, washing all of the windows, mowing/weedeating the lawn are always great options. If your son doesn't want extra chores, he'll follow the rules.
The idea with any of these forms of discipline is that you want the form of discipline to far outweigh whatever form of pleasure your son may get from his disobedience.
