My 15 year old son just blew up the house with fire works, drove away with the family car, and purposely crashed it, so I took away his game console for 15 minutes. Was I too hard on him?

It seems like your son has engaged in some very serious and dangerous behavior. Blowing up the house with fireworks and intentionally crashing a car are actions that could have resulted in severe injury or death, not to mention significant property damage.

Taking away his game console for 15 minutes does not seem to be an adequate response to such extreme behavior. Here are some considerations:

1. Safety: Ensure everyone is safe and unharmed.

2. Legal Implications: Depending on the extent of the damage, there may be legal consequences for both you as a parent (for allowing him access to fireworks or a vehicle) and your son.

3. Disciplinary Action: The punishment should reflect the severity of his actions. Taking away privileges like driving (if he was licensed), using electronics, or participating in extracurricular activities might be more appropriate.

4. Counseling: Consider seeking professional help for your son to address any underlying issues that led to this behavior.

Steps You Might Consider:

• Assess Damage: Evaluate the extent of physical harm and property damage.

• Seek Professional Help: Consult with a counselor or therapist who can help address potential behavioral issues.

• Set Clear Consequences: Implement consequences that match the severity of his actions while ensuring they are constructive rather than punitive alone.

• Communicate Openly: Have an open conversation about why his actions were unacceptable and how they affect others.

This situation requires careful handling to ensure safety, accountability, and positive change moving forward.