Why is the threat or punishment always “taking away electronics?”

[Anonymous]

Just seems to be, by far, the most commonly recommended punishment on DCUM. What’s that all about?

[Anonymous]

Because screens are addictive. And kids are addicted.

[Anonymous]

Its easy and something most kids want/respond to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because screens are addictive. And kids are addicted.

And most parents are too lazy/tired to parent.

[Anonymous]

It’s what my son wants the most. Threatening to take away his toothbrush yielded no results.

[Anonymous]

What works better for you, OP?

[Anonymous]

Because we can’t spank our kids. They don’t care about time outs. And little kids have few privileges. And yes, they are addicted, just like their parents and everyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because we can’t spank our kids. They don’t care about time outs. And little kids have few privileges. And yes, they are addicted, just like their parents and everyone else.

Exactly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s what my son wants the most. Threatening to take away his toothbrush yielded no results.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What works better for you, OP?

Not OP but taking away certain toys or not getting a treat after dinner (a mini M&M) has worked for my kids. They also don’t have access to “electronics” so there’s that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What works better for you, OP?

Not OP but taking away certain toys or not getting a treat after dinner (a mini M&M) has worked for my kids. They also don’t have access to “electronics” so there’s that.

Most of us have way too many toys at home for this to be effective. And a mini m&m? How deprived are your kids that they think that is dessert?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What works better for you, OP?

Not OP but taking away certain toys or not getting a treat after dinner (a mini M&M) has worked for my kids. They also don’t have access to “electronics” so there’s that.

By the time kids are tweens or teens they don't have "toys" anymore--the electronics are their toys. We don't keep candy and sweets in the house usually, and getting it as an after dinner treat is definitely not a regular thing. I don't think it would be very effective if my kids did something wrong now (in July) and my response was to tell them they won't get pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving as a consequence.

[Anonymous]

Just seems to be, by far, the most commonly recommended punishment on DCUM. What’s that all about?

OP, are you a parent?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What works better for you, OP?

Not OP but taking away certain toys or not getting a treat after dinner (a mini M&M) has worked for my kids. They also don’t have access to “electronics” so there’s that.

Well, most posters on here are normal people living normal lives, and raising normal kids; taking away electronics would be a suitable punishment, so there’s that.

[Anonymous]

We don't spank, I'm not sending my kid to bed without dinner, I'm not going to withhold books.
I can certainly get rid of toys but that only works when they're little and then there are fewer toys. Sometimes a consequence is easy like it going to a party or event that's close in time. But electronics are one of the highest value items for a kid so that works.