9yr old snuck Nintendo into his room

[Anonymous]

Our rule is no electronics before 9. This morning my husband got up early and caught my 9yr old with the Nintendo in his bed at 6:30am. He even quickly tried to hide it because he knew he wasn’t supposed to be on it. This is the first time he has ever done this. What is an appropriate consequence?

[Anonymous]

Put it in trunk of car, tell kids it’s gone, wrap it up for Christmas

[Anonymous]

Why don’t you change the Nintendo hours to earlier? What happens at 9?

[Anonymous]

How on earth have you managed to be a parent for 9 years if you can’t figure out an appropriate consequence for this?

[Anonymous]

In my house, the Nintendo would already be gone before you posted.

[Anonymous]

I did that when I was in middle school. I snuck down to the basement with Oreos and played N64. My parents yelled at me a couple times about it, but never took the N64 away. I grew out of it after awhile. It didn’t do any lasting damage; I graduated from college magna cum laude and from grad school with honors. I have a terrific career.

Point being: this isn’t necessarily a big deal. Definitely tell him it’s not ok, but no need to get rid of the Nintendo.

[Anonymous]

The deception would bother me as much as anything. We would have a few serious talks, put away the Nintendo for a week or two, and have him earn it back with chores or something.

[Anonymous]

When my mom caught me on the phone after midnight, she took away my phone for a month. Why aren't you taking away the Nintendo?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When my mom caught me on the phone after midnight, she took away my phone for a month. Why aren't you taking away the Nintendo?

Parents don’t want to be strict anymore because they’d rather be a friend instead.

No wonder the teachers are all quitting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When my mom caught me on the phone after midnight, she took away my phone for a month. Why aren't you taking away the Nintendo?

OP asked what would be an appropriate consequence. She’s asking for help. Why can’t you just say “I think taking away the Nintendo for a month would be an appropriate consequence” instead of being rude?

[Anonymous]

Take it away for a week. Tell him the next time he does it, the punishment doubles, the doubles again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t you change the Nintendo hours to earlier? What happens at 9?

+1. What is the reason that you wait until 9am? Do you expect that he will sleep until then?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The deception would bother me as much as anything. We would have a few serious talks, put away the Nintendo for a week or two, and have him earn it back with chores or something.

np But if you have rules that don't make sense than people will try to break them. Why would the kid be honest? Honestly op would be like the pp and put it away forever! Ask yourself why you want to be so harsh. It's summer vacation. He isn't waking you up early and is occupying himself.

No wonder kid tried to hide it. Change your rules, op and when you are up do something with him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When my mom caught me on the phone after midnight, she took away my phone for a month. Why aren't you taking away the Nintendo?

Parents don’t want to be strict anymore because they’d rather be a friend instead.

No wonder the teachers are all quitting.

logic isn't your strong suit is it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When my mom caught me on the phone after midnight, she took away my phone for a month. Why aren't you taking away the Nintendo?

OP asked what would be an appropriate consequence. She’s asking for help. Why can’t you just say “I think taking away the Nintendo for a month would be an appropriate consequence” instead of being rude?

What I said wasn't rude.