Punishment for curfew violation
June 21, 2012 3:00PM
Updated: July 23, 2012 6:03AM
Dr. Wallace: I’m 16, and my parents and I agree on my 11 p.m. curfew for date nights (Friday and Saturday). My boyfriend and I have been going out for over 4 months, and we have never been late — not even a few minutes.
Last Saturday, he and I went to a movie and after stopping to get something to eat, I came home 15 minutes past my curfew.
My parents were a bit disturbed, but they didn’t go berserk. When I asked them what my punishment was going to be, they said they didn’t know because they never expected me to be late, especially without calling.
Since curfew infraction is something new to our family, my parents decided that I should write to you, and they agree to do whatever you suggest for my punishment. Please tell us what you think is fair under the circumstances. I almost forgot to tell you that I’m your biggest fan and our family reads your column every day.
Nameless,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nameless: I will go a little easy on you since this is your first “curfew infraction,” and I know you will plan carefully the next time. But it didn’t hurt that you told me you were my biggest fan.
Since 11 p.m. is your normal curfew time, your next two dates should end with you being in your house at 10:45 p.m., and not a second later!
Write to Dr. Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net
