Enforcing Consequences Be ready to follow through and enforce consequences if your teen violates a family agreement. Consequences are most effective when built on a foundation of trust and clear expectations. That’s why establishing strong parent-teen agreements BEFORE your teen slips up is so important.
Make sure they understand...
How you expect them to behave based on your family’s rules and values and WHY you take that position.
Your position on alcohol and other substances, impaired driving, and riding in a car with an impaired driver.
The consequences you will enforce if they break an agreement.
Emphasize to teens how quickly drinking can lead to dangerous results. That’s why you take underage substance use so seriously and are committed to enforcing these consequences to keep them safe.
DO: Impose fair, clear consequences. Talk to them about the mistake and make a plan for next time. Be firm and consistent.
DON’T: Act out of anger or impose unfair punishments.
DOES THE PENALTY FIT? It’s best for consequences to match the “crime.” Small violations of family rules deserve mild punishment; serious violations deserve tougher penalties. For example, you could consider curbing a teen’s privileges, like driving, curfew, phone rights, or screen time.
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