parenting teenagers 101....

I would hardly call 12 a teen. I have teens. World of difference there, believe me. If you're going to take something away, make sure it involves something she absolutely can't live without. Like her phone for example and if you do take the phone, don't leave her the computer, game system, tv or any other gadgets for her to play with. If you're gonna give chores, make it the ones she hates the most and make it very time consuming. You can tell if a punishment is going to have an effect on them before it starts. Kids aren't too good at hiding their feelings even if they don't say anything, they will either roll their eyes or have that smirk on their face or both. If they do that, then it's probably time to come up with a better method. And there is nothing more joyful than watching a child/teens smirking face turn to one of shock because mom has just laid down the law.