How to Stop Getting Grounded All the Time

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Last Updated: November 20, 2025 References

For a variety of reasons, parents sometimes ground their children, sometimes more often than others. It always sucks to be stuck at home, possibly banned from electronics as well, and if you find this happening to you all the time, but you don't know why, this article will help you identify why you keep getting grounded and what you can change for next time!

Steps

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1
Ask your parents reasons why you get grounded. The best way to know what to change next time is to ask your parents. Ask them why you get grounded and what you can change. For example, your little brother came into your room and started annoying you. Your first reaction was to hit your brother, and this got you grounded. Next time, instead of hitting your brother, calmly ask him to leave your room, and if he doesn't comply, ask your parents to resolve the situation.
- Give them time to cool off before asking if you just got grounded. You don't want them to interpret you asking "why" as backtalk.
- Be mature and avoid whining, even if the answer is not what you hoped for.
2
Know (and follow!) the house rules. Knowing your house rules will help you not get grounded. If you dislike a certain rule, still follow it. If you think it is unfair, still follow it. All these things will stop you from getting grounded! If you need reminding of the rules or want clarification, just ask your parents. They would rather you ask them about a rule beforehand than unknowingly break it.
- If you think a rule you have to follow is unfair (your brother is allowed to hit you, but you can't hit back) or if it isn't appropriate for your age (a really early bedtime), explain why you think the rule is unfair to your parents calmly and respectfully.
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3
Be Mature. Being mature is one of the best ways to avoid getting grounded, as it will give them no reason to ground you. If you are asked to do chores, do them without complaining, get the grades that are expected of you, and study for an agreed-upon amount of time per week. Maturity also has other perks. Your parents are more likely to say "yes" to things they previously wouldn't, for example.
- Sometimes, younger siblings will try to push your buttons to get you to act out of line. Be the bigger person by ignoring them and reporting their behavior to your parents if necessary.
Following all the rules at home is the first and often biggest step to having a calm and punishment-free life, but you should also avoid getting in trouble elsewhere; your parents probably won't be pleased if they get a call from your teacher explaining that you started a huge fight, for example. Turn in your homework on time, don't get into legal trouble, and avoid bullying. If you drive, then drive responsibly (and without alcohol and/or drugs).
5
Set (and enforce!) boundaries. While your parents may be the king of the house, you still have your own rights by law. These vary depending on what country/state you live in, so do some research on the law in your area.
- For example, you might want your parents or other people to knock on your door first before entering if it is closed.
6
Identify Abuse. All too often, parents will use abuse, knowingly or unknowingly, as punishment. Unfortunately, the line between punishment and abuse is easily blurred, and what is and isn't considered abuse is often up for debate. It is important to recognise if you or one of your siblings is being abused, and if so, what to do next.
- Punishment that involves the removal or restriction of basic needs (food, water, a place to sleep, etc) is usually considered abuse.^{[1]
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- Abuse isn't always physical, either. Emotional abuse is just as, if not more, harmful as physical forms of abuse. Emotional Abuse typically consists of insults (You are such a bad person!), but it could also include comparing to other children and many other things.^{[2]
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- Whether spanking is considered abuse is a highly controversial topic that has been debated by parents and politicians alike for decades. Most parenting experts will tell you that spanking is an ineffective and outdated method that does more harm than good, while more "traditional" parents will say that the fear of getting a spanking is enough to keep most children in line. An increasing number of countries are introducing legislation restricting or outlawing the use of spanking. Parents who are found to have spanked their children in these countries can face serious penalties.^{[3]
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- If you think you are being abused, it is important to talk to an adult besides your parents who you can trust, and if necessary, the authorities.^{[6]
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Tips

Avoid giving your parents a reason to ground you.

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If you have just been grounded, wait a few hours, or longer, before asking "why". After a few hours, your parents (and you!) will probably have calmed down, and as such, any conversation is less likely to turn into another argument.

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Warnings

Despite what your parents may think, they do not have the right to abuse you in any way. If you believe you are being abused, it is vital to report it to the authorities.

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