appropriate punishment?

This is their first offense and they came to you. You need to tell them if they ever do something like that it would be the end of their worlds as they know it but for now just let it go, it sounds like they are testing their limits, nothing more, so let them know where you stand!!!

Plan a time to talk to them about it and let them know that this is something you disapprove of, even as a joke. Then have a family fun time that will allow for relaxation and humor - laughter. Afterwards point out how much fun you can have as evidenced by whatever activity you did together. Explain that there are things you can do for fun that are not harmful or bad.

Charades is a good game for laughter and also Pictionary.

At their ages, this impresses me as something not needing punishment, but rather direction to show what is permitted and talk about what is not.

There is nothing that scares that age than a "serious talk".

Use I statements and make it very clear that you are serious....

"I feel hurt that you would lie to me. I don't know if this is the truth or not and because you have lied, you have broken my trust. The consequence is that I will second guess everything that you say from now on. Trust needs to be earned and you have lost mine. It makes me sad that I can't believe my child. How would you feel if somebody lied to you? How would you feel if someone lied then said they were joking?" I am hurt by your words and I've very very disappointed in you".

These types of "talks" totally got me into tears and taught me lessons.

If they haven't turned them on just tell them never to go further or there will be a punishment. First time offense that isn't serious should just get a warning. I mean they told you and didn't turn them in right? So they should get punished with a day of no T.V. if they turn a paper in.

trust me its natural basucaly I LET my daughter sign for me on anything except disciplinary forms (and they call home for those) My daughter is 16. Did they really practice those minutes? What I would do is sign your name below where they signed theirs. if they really practiced I wouldn't be harsh at all the school will call for important stuff let the rest go, as long as their goal WASN"T to avoid punishment

Bare Bottom Spankings!

relax. i was a good kid and signed my moms name on the form so i could go tanning when i was 16.

I now have a college degree and kids of my own. life goes on.

Pull them out of band.

10 lashes with a wet noodle.

when i was a kid i did that once too....i really dont think any punishment is nessesary besides maybe no computer or phone and if they do it again make it more harsh