Really Bad Couches

There's a good chance you already know the story about Ethan Couch, the "Affluenza Teen" who fled to Mexico to avoid the consequences of breaking his probation. If you are not familiar with the story, click here to get a quick recap.

When Ethan was sixteen, while under the influence, he plowed his truck into people and a couple of cars, killing four and injuring nine. Instead of jail time, Couch received ten years of probation. Why? Because a judge didn't want to blame the kid because he was a child of privilege. No joke. Not kidding! He got off because he was spoiled.

According to a 20/20 episode, his folks were loaded. Ethan was not disciplined nor consequenced. Everyday was Christmas for Couch. He wanted a jet ski. Folks bought him one. In the mood for a Nintendo? Next day it's his. 

His folks let him start driving when he was thirteen. They bought him his own home (yes, his own home) when he was fifteen. They gave him a tricked out truck, and he had parties with alcohol and drugs at his personal home down the street.

In a deposition, his mom said she couldn't remember the last time her son was disciplined. 

These parents never parented their son. they gave him what he wanted, so he never learned how the world worked. If he wanted something, he expected to have it immediately, and his parents made sure that happened. 

​These parents are perfect examples of Snow-Plow Parents gone rogue. By not giving their son boundaries, by giving him everything he wanted, by Ethan never knowing consequences, they created a monster that killed four people. And, the sad part is that our judicial system instilled in him that he still doesn't have to take responsibility for his actions, by giving the teen probation.

Well, the final blow comes now that Couch broke probation and was found partying on an online video. So, instead of taking his punishment, Mommy comes to her boys's aid again and shuttles him off to Mexico to hide him from US Marshals and the FBI. 

When will these parents ever learn? I know it's too late for the Couches, but it's not too late for most of us. Give kids boundaries. Make rules. Follow through on their consequences. And, let them be uncomfortable. Discomfort today will help them so much in the future.

image courtesy of ​©MorgueFile.com/bang