Get Out of Being Grounded

Getting grounded is something that every child experiences at one point or another. It can be hard to endure being grounded, but sometimes it's possible to get out of a grounding if you show your parents a little maturity and remorse. Here are some steps you can follow to help you get ungrounded. But remember that some parents are more strict than others, so these steps might not work for everyone.

Steps

Talking to Your Parents

  1. Be respectful. Happy parents are less likely to stick to their guns with a severe punishment than parents who continue to feel upset with you. Show your parents a little respect and even consider doing something nice for them. However, remember that, if you did nothing wrong, you shouldn't pretend to apologize and repent just to get out of the punishment. Virtue and honesty is better than comfort.
  2. Meet in the middle. Compromise with Your Parents with them to see if they will unground you. Try to talk them into making your grounding shorter, or ask if they will Get-Out-of-a-Punishment, like doing extra chores or giving you a spanking instead. If that doesn't work then give up, your parents won't budge they will see that you aren't enjoying your punishment and think they are doing the right thing[1]
    • Respond in a mature way. Do not throw tantrums or give them the silent treatment. These responses will only confirm in their minds that they're doing the right thing.
  3. Spend quality time with your parents. Spend some time talking and hanging out with your parents. Instead of focusing on how mad you are about being grounded, try to change the subject by spending time with your parents. This will help everyone forget how upset they are and might help you get ungrounded more quickly.

Showing Responsibility

  1. Do Quick Chores Your Parents Will Appreciate without being told. Your parents will be surprised and may unground you. Doing your chores will also make your parents happy because it will save them some stress.[2] This is also a really good idea if not doing your chores is what got you grounded in the first place.
  2. Accept responsibility for your actions. Apologize to your parents and admit what you've done wrong. Don't put the blame on someone else. This shows your parents that you are responsible for your actions. Try to solve the problem or promise to never do it again. It is usually better to accept the punishment than to throw a fit or try to talk your way out of it.
    • Try beginning the conversation with something like, I know I made a mistake and I'm very sorry. I see now that what I did was wrong and I will work hard not to repeat this action in the future.
  3. Do your homework. Making good grades, or at least showing your parents that you are trying to improve your grades, will also show your parents that you are acting responsibly. Working on your schoolwork will also show your parents that you are thinking about the future, which is a sign of responsibility.[3]
  4. Help your parents around the house. Go above and beyond doing your chores and ask your parents if you can help them with anything else. Give your mom a hand with dinner or help your dad in the garage. Take your family dog for a walk. Do anything that will show your parents you are trying to be helpful and responsible.

Finding Ways to Cope

  1. Have fun while being grounded. If your parents don't unground you, then just make the best of your situation. Being grounded doesn't always have to be boring. Find out what your parents will let you do and take advantage of it.
    • Try playing with your siblings or running around with your dog. Spend some time outdoors or bake some cookies with your mom. Or suggest an activity that your whole family can do together like going for a hike or playing a board game.
  2. Don't constantly nag your parents. If you keep nagging to get ungrounded, it might result in you getting a longer punishment. But it will definitely show your parents that you haven't learned your lesson and that you aren't ready to be ungrounded.
  3. Try being thankful. Instead of focusing on what you don't have or what you're being restricted from, try thinking about all the things you do have: a roof over your head, parents who love you enough to discipline you, etc. When you are ungrounded, be thankful that you can once again participate in the activities that you enjoy. Thank your parents for helping you learn from your mistakes.
    • Actually saying the words is important here. Show your parents you are truly thankful for providing for you by saying thank you.

Avoiding Future Groundings

  1. Learn from your mistakes. Don't repeat the same action that got you grounded this time and promise your parents that you'll never do it again. Don't get grounded so you won't have to try to get out of being grounded.
  2. Express your remorse. Your parents want you to learn from your mistakes, so if you let them know that you are sorry for what you have done, they will remember it in the future.
    • Try beginning the conversation with something like, I know I broke your trust with my actions. I am very sorry and I hope that you will forgive me.
  3. Enact positive change. Show your parents that you deserve their trust and respect by showing them consistently positive behavior. You won't get grounded if your parents approve of the choices you are making.

Tips

  • Do not pester your parents to let you off the hook. It may result in you being grounded for an even longer time.
  • Follow all the rules that your parents have set for you.
  • Remember to make eye contact while talking to your parents.
  • Remember to always be honest with your parents when you talk to them; this helps them trust you.
  • Do your homework in school at lunch time or help your brother or sister with their homework to make life easier for your parents.
  • Maybe try doing something else that your parents haven't expected you to do.
  • Don't even ask. They'll continue to deny it because they want you to take responsibility for actions.
  • Keep your room clean and do all the chores they ask you to do without being told multiple times.
  • Don't nag your parents because they will get more stressed out and ground you for longer.
  • Do your chores to show your parents you are working back up your responsibilities. If you really want to please them, go above and beyond what you are usually expected to do.
  • Don't backtalk to your parents. It will get you grounded for a longer time.
  • Do what they tell you to and stay in your room.
  • Be kind to your brothers/sisters.
  • Keep your things and space (like your bedroom) clean and organized. Also, tell your parents that you are and make sure you don't make the mistake again. Also, going with the flow is very important.

Warnings

  • Don't argue with your parents.
  • Don't bother your parents while they are mad or stressed.
  • Don't yell or scream at your parents. This may worsen your situation.
  • Don't immediately go back to the thing that caused you to be grounded; let your parents cool off first.
  • Don't constantly ask for things when you're told "no" the first time.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.naturalchild.org/jan_hunt/22_alternatives.html
  2. ↑ http://www.kidsbehaviour.co.uk/groundingchildren.html
  3. ↑ http://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/beverlywoodsES/Documents/Octresponsibility.pdf

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