19. Choices, Consequences, and the Classroom Code

What’s it all about, really?

You go to school.
You sit in class.
You learn the subject.
You move on.

There’s no need to question the teacher unnecessarily or respond with attitude. You’re there to learn.

So what gives you the impression that you have the right to speak to your teacher in a way that lands you a detention?

Let’s break it down:

• What was the task you were asked to do?
• Why didn’t you do it?
• What do you honestly hope to gain by ignoring it?

Let’s look at this logically.

Nobody likes being on the receiving end of bad news or disappointment. We all feel better around good vibes and positive energy. So why create tension through disruption, defiance, or disrespect?

Is it about pushing back against authority? Maybe. But if so—
Why push so far?
How far is too far?
And when do you recognise that the line has been crossed?

As a parent, I try to explain what appropriate behaviour looks like. I talk about boundaries, about consequences. Cause and effect.

You chose to disrupt your class—whether it affected another pupil or your teacher, you caused an upset.
And instead of showing humility, apologising, or taking responsibility, you acted as if nothing happened—hoping it would blow over.

But it didn’t.
So now, you have a detention at school and a punishment at home.

Let’s be real:
Was the school detention enough to make you think twice? Clearly not.
Was the consequence given the last time less than a month ago enough to change your behaviour?
Still, no.

So what now?

You’ve got nothing I can take away to make a real impact. No devices. No pocket money.
So, that leaves me with alternative consequences:

• Additional chores.
• Physical tasks (like holding something until your arms ache).
• A long conversation about rights, wrongs, and why your choices matter.

Because that’s what this is really about.

No pain, no gain and now it’s time to understand that every choice has a consequence.