Skip to main content

The right (and wrong) ways to discipline stubborn teens

We all know that teens can be fun to be around, but they also can be stubborn! Whether it is just hormones, they’ve had a terrible day, or they just need extra guidance, they can make life challenging for parents. But there are some steps you can take to help guide them to becoming productive adults.

Two great ways to discipline stubborn teens

Although stubborn teens may be a bit difficult at times, there are simple, yet effective ways to handle them!

The right (and wrong) ways to discipline stubborn teens
George Rudy/Shutterstock

Get involved and be clear

Do not shy away from making your expectations clear. Let your teens know the type of behavior you expect from them. Do you want them to come home at a certain time after they have been out with friends? Consider saying, “Please be sure to come straight home after the party,” “Please come home when the movie is over,” etc. When you make your expectations known — and enforce them — your teens will know you expect them to follow the rules. Also, when you’re working out rules and limits, get your teens’ input. Everyone wants to be heard! Typically, teenagers are more inclined to see you and the situation as fair when they feel like they’ve had a voice.

Consequences are appropriate

Sometimes, you may need to withdraw the privileges of teens. But use this action sparingly or it could eventually become ineffective. Before applying expectations and possible consequences, make sure your teens understand what will happen if their behavior is not acceptable. If the teens you are working with are not cooperating, try taking away something they enjoy, such as television, cell phones, games, etc. A popular choice is the cell phone! Teens hate not having their phone at all times. They will begin to realize that you’re serious about applying consequences for bad behavior.

Two not-so-great ways to discipline stubborn teens

Dealing with stubborn teens may be complicated, but make sure to avoid making the situation worse!

The right (and wrong) ways to discipline stubborn teens
YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV/Shutterstock

Not making the effort to listen to your teens

We all want to be heard, considered, and understood. When teens are going through changing emotions and growing phases, being heard is often what they need the most. If you do not make an effort to listen to teenagers, they may not feel valuable and considered. Then, they will not feel the need to give you the respect you deserve. When disagreements happen between you and your teenagers, make sure you give them the proper space and opportunity to express their thoughts. Of course, stand your ground, but also give them the proper guidance for the situation.

Applying irrelevant punishments

Consequences are necessary at times, but severe punishments often prove to be irrelevant. If they do not meet your expectation of coming home when a party is over, appropriate consequences – or rather, creative punishments for teenagers – should be applied. You can limit your teen’s social events, take away cell phones, or even prioritize extra chores and homework before going out. In addition, you can even have them come home much earlier if you allow them to continue going out with their friends. Whatever the consequences, remember they need to be relevant to the teen’s bad behavior!

Editors' Recommendations

NewFolks
How to teach a child to swim: Methods you need to know
Tips for teaching your child to swim when they are ready to learn
Adult teaching child to swim in a pool.

While watching your child jump into any open water could be a bit, parents don't want their child to be afraid of the water. Swimming is a fun activity that helps promote a healthy lifestyle, a great way to stay cool in the hot summer months, to get indoor exercise during the winter, and it's a life skill to have. Typically, the recommended age for lessons is 4, but there's really no incorrect age for how to teach a child to swim.

Swimming is an important lesson to learn for your kid’s enjoyment and especially for their safety. We'll share great methods and fun ideas on how to teach a child to swim so they'll become strong, happy, and confident fish in the water.

Read more
What’s the appropriate punishment for a teenager who lies? This is what to do
These punishments for a teenager who lies will keep your child (and your sanity) from spiraling out of control
Parents having a talk with their teen.

Navigating the world of raising a teenager is not the easiest thing you'll have to do as a parent. Especially when your teenager starts testing boundaries. One of the many ways they will push your buttons is telling lies. There’s no getting around it. There’s no denying it will happen. It’s a matter of when, not if, your teen will lie to you. Well parents, when the lies start to drop, what kind of punishment for a teenager who lies will you dish out?

It’s what you do as a parent in reaction to the fabrications that is important. Lying doesn’t automatically mean your teen is trying to manipulate you. They may be testing their limits or trying to get attention they feel they aren't getting. Let’s go over possible punishments for a teenager who lies so you feel more prepared for the inevitable.

Read more
5 genius house rules for teenagers you’ll wish you’d adopted yesterday
Make life easier with these house rules
Parents holding hands with daughter and son follows behind

Despite eye-rolling and verbal protest, most houses need a set of house rules for their teens to abide by. Establishing these house rules for teenagers presents a challenge to both parents and teens, but it’s a necessary step toward teaching your kids a vital life skill — which is taking accountability for one’s own actions. Plus, you’re also keeping your teen grounded in reality by establishing boundaries and communicating the message that every place and every situation has ground rules.

House rules may be a pain for your kids, but implementing them doesn't have to be. We've compiled some great ideas that’ll make the process less painful. Furthermore, if you involve your teen in setting up the rules and consequences, then most likely, you’ll get more buy-in.

Read more