Should we string him up by his thumbs, or what?
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From: Mountain View
he was honest about it and didn't try to hide it. i wouldn't be too hard on the guy but make sure he really realizes that he screwed up two ways:
1. doing something he shouldn't have
2. ratting on himself
1. doing something he shouldn't have
2. ratting on himself
.
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From: Yorba Linda, CA
Originally posted by Cedric Tomkinson
He's 18 he's not a child. He's done this knowing it was against your instructions. My approach would be to let him know that I was very angry but more than that, sadly disappointed in him. That would be likely to have more effect than any Draconian punishments.
He's 18 he's not a child. He's done this knowing it was against your instructions. My approach would be to let him know that I was very angry but more than that, sadly disappointed in him. That would be likely to have more effect than any Draconian punishments.
Originally posted by Mingster
he's grounded for the rest of his life.
he's grounded for the rest of his life.
. . . bomb him to make some crater marks.
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From: San Francisco, CA
OK so he disobeyed your instructions. Maybe you should scold him or even punish him. But you misbehaved as well; you left a spectacular car at home AND left the keys. That is cruel, almost sadistic. I might suspect you of entrapment as well.
Put yourself in his shoes; he almost didn't have a choice. If he didn't take it out, he would regret it forever because you're too uptight (and distrustful?) to let him drive it ever, even when you're with him. If he does take it out to "get gas", he's exorcised that haunting regret at the minimal expense of a brief grounding or a halfhearted "I'm disappointed in you" talk. Do you really want your boy to grow up to be the kind of man who's afraid to take a chance on the unforgettable experience?
The kid's 18. What did you expect from him? Here's a suggestion: tell him you are disappointed, but give him a chance to redeem himself. Request that he demonstrate his responsibility in a way that is significant to you (extra chores, improve grades, etc.). Then, if he succeeds, reward him with the privilege of taking the S2000 to prom or for regular chaperoned "fill ups". This will achieve three things:
1) You will have made your point.
2) He won't have to associate the lovable S2000 with punishment/regret for the rest of his life.
3) He'll believe that he's earned your trust back and then some.
Put yourself in his shoes; he almost didn't have a choice. If he didn't take it out, he would regret it forever because you're too uptight (and distrustful?) to let him drive it ever, even when you're with him. If he does take it out to "get gas", he's exorcised that haunting regret at the minimal expense of a brief grounding or a halfhearted "I'm disappointed in you" talk. Do you really want your boy to grow up to be the kind of man who's afraid to take a chance on the unforgettable experience?
The kid's 18. What did you expect from him? Here's a suggestion: tell him you are disappointed, but give him a chance to redeem himself. Request that he demonstrate his responsibility in a way that is significant to you (extra chores, improve grades, etc.). Then, if he succeeds, reward him with the privilege of taking the S2000 to prom or for regular chaperoned "fill ups". This will achieve three things:
1) You will have made your point.
2) He won't have to associate the lovable S2000 with punishment/regret for the rest of his life.
3) He'll believe that he's earned your trust back and then some.
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From: jimisapostwhore
First of all, a car that doesn't get driven when you're not home, does not need gas. Secondly, there's no way you can just drive to the gas station and come straight back. My guess is he took it out to drive around to show off to his friends. Who knows he maybe did some clutch drops, donuts, and drifting. Shoot maybe he let all his friends test drive it too. The thing is you just don't know. Maybe if you knew how many miles were on the car before you left.
