Cell Phone Abuse

Suppose you have a child who when she is told that she is being disciplined for her cell phone and has lost the privilege to use it for 2 days. The problem is she refuses to give me the cell phone. What can i do so as not to get in a power struggle.

 Her suggestion is she will put it in the box and not use it.

 How can I handle this type of situation?

 Thank you.

 S.

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I would cancel her plan then. She's holding you hostage. Give her a warning first: "If you choose to avoid this consequence (i.e., turning your cell phone in for 2 days), then you will choose a stiffer consequence -- your cell plan will be canceled."

Mark

My Out-of-Control Teen

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