You may have heard that the most effective consequences are handed out quickly and are related to the teen’s misbehavior. And when possible, that’s true. For example, a child who misses curfew may have to stay in the house the following Saturday night. But sometimes children throw their parents a “curveball.” Your teen may do something you really didn’t expect, such as skipping school. In times as those, it’s fine to give yourself time to think before giving your child a consequence for his behavior. In fact, waiting a day or two may be better than trying to deal with it while you are at the peak of your anger or shock.

When you need some time to think about a consequence, talk to your teen:

• Tell him how you feel about his actions or lack of judgment (disappointed, angry, upset).
• Let him know that the misbehavior will have a serious consequence.
• Tell him you are too emotional to decide on the consequence right now. But let him know that you will decide on one in the next day or two.
• Tell him that trying to talk you out of it will do more harm than good.

Source: Michael Martin and Cynthia Waltman-Greenwood, Solve Your Child’s School-Related Problems, 1995