Whether this be learning one of the endless newer board game options such as Cards Against Humanity or playing an old classic such as Monopoly, grabbing your family or friends for a session can entertain and ease tension between you. If you have a sibling, take the time to play with them. Even something as simple as hide-and-seek or tag is a change of pace. Card games are an old standard for passing time, but there are many variations on games such as Solitaire that you can learn. [1] X Research source The particularly ambitious can even try inventing their own game. You’ll keep your mind active, but who knows? You may come up with a new tradition. Video games, if they haven’t been confiscated, are another simple option with the potential for large time investment and enjoyment.
The act of cleaning gets you active, and when your room smells nice and is organized you’ll feel happier. [2] X Research source You can put on music, a podcast, or an audio book to further distract your mind from you grounding and your chores. You can also do other chores around the house and use them to ask for extra allowance or less time being grounded.
Getting the work done now means that later on you’ll have more time to do what you want, rather than having to stop and finish homework at the last minute. Preparation means better grades and better grades means impressing parents, making them more lenient, and reducing grade-related opportunities to be grounded.
For those that don’t have books or dislike the physical act of reading, audio books are now widely available at libraries, bookstores, or online shops such as audible. com. Audio books are combinable with mindless activities such as chores. Even if the book doesn’t take you somewhere else by imagination, hearing the speaker can keep you daydreaming, which passes the time. [3] X Research source
If electronics have been banned for you, ask your parents to help you find some podcasts relating to your interests or download them to a device such as an iPod ahead of time. Search a platform such as iTunes. The program’s store keeps a healthy supply of podcasts, and most of them are free.
Material is cheap and easy to find in retail stores such as Walmart. This includes adult coloring books, colored pencils, paints, and various pens you can keep on hand for use before and after grounding. Let your imagination roam free. This act of expression allows you to draw out your frustrations, which can help you come up with new ideas for activities and calm you down to the point that you begin to feel happier.
Begin a journal by writing down what you’re feeling or how your day went. This means of expression has the effect of calming you and enabling you to work through your thoughts. Write a story. If you have a concept in mind, let loose without fear of judgment. Any ideas, even those scribbled down in a journal, can lead your writing to places you never expected to go. Brainstorm and write down a list of ideas that you consider fun or things that you have always wanted to do but never done.
Your first instinct will be to blast out the sound so loud your parents can hear. Avoid getting on their nerves and provoking an argument. Consider carefully how the music affects you. Any type of music, dependent on personal taste, can lead to good feelings, but if for example that aggressive rap song you like often leads you to feeling angry, avoid it. If you’re a musician, even a beginner, play an instrument. The act of making your own music relieves tension and gives you practice time.
If you have Internet access or books on the subject, use these to collect information to figure out which hobby is right for you and how to get started. Ask your parents for help. They can get you started, even showing you the basics of your hobby if they have any experience. This is even more important for something like cooking if you need permission to touch the stove.
Use toys such as danglers for cats. You’ll enjoy the way your pet reacts and gets entertainment out of such a simple activity. Get down on their level. Roll around with your dog or cat. Let your bird rest on your shoulder. Put your rodent in a rolling ball. Being close to your pet helps you relax.
If you have a television, channel flip to find a new movie or show or rewatch an old favorite. If you have Internet access, search for new hobbies, music, podcasts, or even participate on social media. Try a video game you have yet to find the time to play. Use your iPod, radio, or similar device to play music.
Take a new route around the neighborhood. Go explore places you haven’t yet had a chance to explore and meet new people.
Ride to a place you haven’t been in a while or go find new sites to revisit later. Explore your surroundings. If permitted, go on a bike ride with your friends or your family. The exercise and company will help you feel better.
Grab a sibling, a friend, or a parent who isn’t busy. The company you keep will increase your enjoyment and give you someone with which you can work off your frustration. Anyone involved in sports can use this time to practice. A basketball player for instance can practice shooting free throws. In winter months, transition to winter activities. Get a ball and hockey sticks. Skate around on ice. Bundle up and build a snowman.
Use a cell phone or ask your parents to borrow a camera. Even a cheap, disposable camera will do. Use your imagination when choosing subjects. It doesn’t matter if you choose to take pictures of flowers, snow formations, or your pet. This is your time, and you should choose what captures your eye. These pictures can be used later. For instance, you can put them into a photo album online or offline or make a collage.
To calm yourself, do an activity or two first. Keeping yourself physically and mentally occupied distracts you and you may even enjoy the activity enough to feel happier. If possible, you can also choose to talk to a friend during this time. They’ll listen to your story and may even give you insight. Keep in mind that your parent may feel angry too, so give them time to recover.
Speak your apology out loud. This is difficult to do at times, but a verbal apology carries more weight. Adopt a proper tone. Keep your voice low, clear, but authentic. Make your apology meaningful by showing you understand what you did wrong and will do differently next time. Instead of saying you’re sorry for kicking a ball in the house, say, “I’m sorry I broke your lamp. I shouldn’t have been kicking the ball in the house. Next time I’ll play outside so I don’t upset you by breaking the rules. ”
For example, offer to do the dishes. Your parent may exchange that work for a few days off your grounding time. Some parents are strict, or the offense you committed too serious to them to be forgiven through deals. You’ll have to deal with this by waiting out the grounding.
Discussions should always be calm, quiet, and open. As soon as you resort to anger and screaming, you cause your parent to retreat into their anger and authority. This causes them to extend the grounding and you to feel bad all over again. Tell them your side of the story and listen to theirs. Chances are you’ll reach a middle ground, erasing hurt feelings and tension in the process. Strict parents may be concerned with expressing their authority. You may have no choice but to wait out the grounding.
