Sneaky 10-year-old boy

[Anonymous]

I have been having some problems with lying/disobeying from my 10-year-old son. Things like telling me he brushed his teeth when he didn't, or catching him playing his DS in his room on weekday evenings when he's supposed to only play it on the weekends. There have been several other incidents too. The punishment for these sorts of things has been to lose video game time on the weekends or tv time on the weekdays. We have spoken to him over and over about how important it is that we can trust him, and how if he doesn't agree with a rule he should talk to us about it, not just disobey the rule. But it doesn't seem to be helping. Does anyone have any advice or words of wisdom? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

My oldest always says he brushed his teeth when he didn't. I just send him back every single time. It's gotten to the point where it's actually funny. Many of my friends say their kids went trough a stage where they hated teeth brushing. Doesn't seem like something to make a big deal over.

As far as the DS, seems like you're setting him up. I don't know many kids who don't get in trouble for using electronics when they're not supposed to. Just take it on Sunday night and return it on Friday.

[Anonymous]

Devices are checked in on the kitchen counter when they are not allowed to be in use. Complaints about not trusting him should be met with, "You are correct. I do not trust you. You demonstrated that you are not worthy of my trust by violating the rules. I am disappointed in you. As a result of your own behavior, you will now be treated as if you were younger than you are. We will try again in a few months and in the meantime, you may work to build up my trust again by 1) brushing your teeth; 2) completing your school work..."

Frankly, if you plan on ever getting him a cell phone that does more than call people, get him used to checking in his devices on the kitchen counter.