Two teens were apprehended on January 08, 2014. They allegedly assaulted and robbed a 78 year old man along the North Bridge Road on January 7, 2014. Comprehensive ground enquiries and CCTV (Closed-circuit Television) footage identified the two suspects. The Commander of the Central Police said that the two teens will be punished because of their criminal actions against the elderly.
Times are changing. Teens now are more stubborn and negligent. They need to be disciplined and it is the role of the parents to do that. As parents, we dream that our children grow to be good men and women. But sometimes the road is hard. We have to be firm and decisive when we discipline our children. If you want to discipline your teens effectively, you can consider the following tips:
- Establish expectations and rules: Parents should establish expectations and rules. It is your own house. Do not let your teens overpower you. You have to explain why you have expectations and rules so they can understand. You need to mention the consequences should they evade.
- Know how to punish them: Punishing does not need to be physical or violent. When you punish, you have to begin with their favourite things. For example, if they are crazy over their cell phones, you can get it as a consequence for their bad behaviour.
- Do not be overly castigatory: When you are very angry, teens will get what you mean. If your teens clearly understood the expectations and rules, they will set things right. Do not overdo the punishment because it will only worsen things.
- Express love: No matter what they do, you have to remind your teens that you love them. The reason why you are punishing them is out of love. Teens need to be assured that they are loved despite their misbehaviour.
- Do not hold resentment: Holding resentment or grudges is natural but if you are a parent dealing with your teens, you should forget these feelings and move on. Do not continuously remind your teens of their misbehaviour. When punishments are done and met, allow things to return normally.
- Be fair: Your teens misbehave at times. That is a fact. When they are at fault, it is right to punish them but you have to be fair. Remember that if are overly castigatory, they will think the worse of you.
If despite your best efforts there are no changes, it is time that you consider professional help. Parenting a teen is not easy. You need the help or assistance of many people. Maybe your teens are enduring something that they do not feel like telling you. The most important thing is they know that you love them no matter what they do in life.