Dear Parent,
Parents…do what you say. If you say you are going to send them away to a residential treatment facility if they use drugs one more time you better be ready to do it. Otherwise, your teen will learn very quickly that you do not do what you say. They will continue their behaviors because they know you will cave and not follow through. It happens all the time. If you say you will take away the car if they text and drive you better be ready to do it. If you have not been doing what you say, you can still start now. It’s never too late as long as they are living with you. All it takes is a little owning up to not following through in the past but committing to it now. What I mean by that is, tell your teen you have blown it by making threats you haven’t followed through on in the past. Let them know those days are over and be clear and united (both parents if possible) that you will most definitely follow through this time. Then make the consequence to the action clear. Example: If you smoke pot again, we will send you to a treatment facility. Also if this is your particular situation, tell them they can use this to help them say no. “My parents say they will send me away if I use again and they mean it!” So think about what you “threaten” your kids with and make sure it is well thought out, not an emotional reaction in the moment. Be ready, research, prepare, talk it over. And be sure to let your teen know the new plan of action!