THE COMEBACK:

WHY AM

I GROUNDED?

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!

THE MESSAGE:

As a parent, teacher, coach and leadership councillor I always believed that consequences are not only a valuable tool in learning but a necessary one in developing talent, responsibility and character.

For instance, a young person should be allowed the freedom to choose an incorrect path that does not present irreparable harm. I have learned that making mistakes is the easiest and most effective way of learning how to become a mature or creative individual; however, the mistake must be accompanied by a consequence. It goes without saying that repetition of the mistake is not to be encouraged.

This concept is not without difficulty. Some parents make choices for a child that restrict development rather than promote it. This concept is often referred to as being a 'Helicopter parent'.

Others are prone to spoiling the child by giving them too many treats or beneficial leeways. Still others make poor choices themselves by setting consequences that are too severe or ones that are ineffective and useless.

REWARDS

Consequences should not only be applied to bad choices by dependants. It is important to provide consequences that are rewards for successes, achievements and good choices. Self confidence is a key ingredient for any person. When teens do well in school or in a proper and sincere reaction of their own or friend’s mistake, it should never go unnoticed.

TEEN-APPROVED REWARDS

A Hug: You would be surprised how much this simple gesture means.
Car Privileges: Extend your driving teen's car privileges for an extra hour or two so they can stay at the mall or coffee shop a little longer..
Extended Curfew: Give them an extra hour on their weekend curfew so they can hang out with friends just a little bit longer. This can help establish trust.

Favorite Meal: Give your teen the opportunity to plan one of the family's dinners and let them choose their favorite dish and dessert.
Friend Time: Give your teen permission to invite a few friends for a sleepover or just a few extra hours to watch movies, play games and hang out.
New Book: Encourage reading and reward your teen at the same time by giving them a new book or a gift certificate so they can choose their own.
New Clothes: Every teen wants the latest fashions and a gift card to the mall is a fantastic idea.

Pizza Night: Almost every teen loves pizza and you can treat them to a dinner at their favorite pizza joint or make a pie at home.

Sleeping In: Allow your teen to take a morning off and sleep in a little later than normal. Of course, this shouldn't be on a school day

TONY TODAY:

There are many resources that can be helpful in providing information on consequences for offspring of all ages when they make poor choices. Here I would like readers to consider some of the consequences for adults who make bad choices.

RADICALIZED CANADIANS

1. Xristos Katsiroubas

At the Royal Courts of Justice in London, England one of the young men frequently mentioned at the inquest was born and raised in Canada. He had converted to a radical version of Islam, and had learned his way around guns and other far more lethal weapons. Xristos Katsiroubas, from London, Ont., was ultimately killed in the course of his twisted mission.

2. Hasibullah Yusufza

He is one Canadian of the 130 who allegedly left to help a terrorist group. Yusufza left Canada on Jan. 21, 2014. In July, he was charged with leaving for the purpose of committing murder “for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group.”

3. Farah Mohamed Shirdon

He was born in Toronto in 1993. His family had moved to the city after their native Somalia fell into chaos and violence. They then uprooted to Calgary, where Shirdon went to school.

Shirdon is wanted by the RCMP on on six terrorism charges that accused him of being an ISIS combatant, recruiter, fundraiser and propagandist.

He was the star of a recent online video that featured him burning his passport and threatening the West. “We are coming and we will destroy you,” he proclaimed.

CONSEQUENCES?

We have some Canadian citizens who have chosen to leave the country and join the terrorist group ISIS only to return to Canada. Realizing the impending defeat or decline of ISIS, has caused some of these traitors to return to our country. What should be the consequences?

Should they be stripped of their citizenship, jailed, ostracized or all of the preceding? Should we show compassion and spend our resources trying to figure out why they allowed themselves to be radicalized?

Is Trudeau correct in proclaiming that, "A Canadian is a Canadian"?

When adults make bad choices it is always tied to others. Wives, friends, family etc. It is important for them to admit their mistakes and atone for them honestly and promptly. This is when most mistakes can be forgiven.

THE MUSIC:

Consequences || Camila Cabello Lyrics

THE STUFF:

CRIMINAL MISTAKES

1. Class A Felonies consist of the most serious crimes a person can commit, such as murder, terrorism, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree arson, predatory sexual assault, and predatory sexual assault against a child. This classification of crimes can result in life in prison.

2. Class B Felonies, carry the potential of spending 25 years in prison. It can consist of aggravated assault, rape, first-degree robbery, second degree kidnapping, or first-degree burglary.

3. Class C Felonies, carry a maximum sentence

of 15 years. They can include weapons charges, second-degree manslaughter, burglary, robbery, and more.

4. Class D Felonies, with up to 7 years in prison, consist of second-degree assault or rape charges and the reckless assault of a child.

5. Class E Felonies include persistent sexual abuse and fourth-degree aggravated sexual abuse. Class E violent felonies will result in a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.

THE PUN:

The Middle Ages were called the Dark Ages because there were too many knights.