Why Discipline Is Best Delivered Without Anger

Have you ever noticed that people who receive a speeding ticket almost always immediately begin to drive like they just got out of driving school? This is because their punishment is almost always delivered by a police officer who showed no anger or aggression.

Because the calm delivery of consequences is all that is necessary to discipline effectively, this approach works with teens, too.

In fact, getting angry, raising your voice and taking a threatening stance is not only unnecessary, it also jeopardizes the success of the discipline and possibly your long-term relationship with your teen.

So, to deliver discipline to your teen effectively, you simply need to specify:

• What he or she did that was wrong
• What the penalty will be
• When the penalty will occur and for how long (if applicable)

Be aware that it is perfectly natural for your teen to become upset about being punished. After all, discipline isn't supposed to be pleasant. But if he or she crosses the line and becomes defiant or verbally or physically aggressive, you simply increase the severity of the penalty. Eventually, your teen will learn that the consequences of his or her actions are too costly to continue.