Teen Consequences and Accountability

By Joe Hungler on February 14th, 2008

A Mom has some praise for an institution that holds teens accountable at Cross Creek Blogs. She makes some great points. We talk to teens a lot about the choices that they made so they understand that the consequence (time out, suspension etc.) is in their control. We give clear expectations in orientations and refer back to them frequently. When a teen comes back from a consequence, I like to say, “I’m glad your back. Please don’t put me in a position again where I have to suspend you. We like it when you’re here and making positive choices.” It makes a big difference for the teens to realize they have control of their lives. More importantly, they realize that the suspension or consequence wasn’t personal and that we care about them.