[These comments are offered by a site visitor who read the Question of the Week. This visitor's comments are not endorsed by Jean Walbridge or Karen Martin; they are offered in the spirit of allowing one visitor to comment to another.]

To "sick of drinking",
I, as a parent of a teen myself, applaud the method you chose for handling this situation with your son. Nip it in the bud with love!! Make your son responsible for his actions and stick by it. I have learned (the hard way) the consequences of NOT having consequences for first time behaviour. It is usually repeated without fear of repercussions. I used to "talk my teen til blue" for what I thought were first time offenses and until I actually held her accountable for her actions and stuck by it, she would repeat the offense. Not to say that kids aren't going to make mistakes, since this is how they learn and yes, some of those mistakes will knowingly be made. I wholeheartedly agree with Jean about the educational consequence aspect (reading and writing a report, etc.) as well since your son does not feel that there is anything he needs to talk about. I disagree, however, that it would have been "fairer" for him to have known the consequence ahead of time. At this age, kids know that drinking is something that they should not be doing (legally or otherwise) and that if found out that they are risking punishment of some form for the decision to drink anyway. NOW letting him know any further consequences for being caught again, I think, is appropriate. It sounds to me like you are doing a wonderful job raising your children.
Sincerely, "K," RN

[These comments are offered by a site visitor who read the Question of the Week. This visitor's comments are not endorsed by Jean Walbridge or Karen Martin; they are offered in the spirit of allowing one visitor to comment to another.]

To original Question of the Week

top of page