>before it gets plugged back in. <
Sorry... were that my household, it wouldn't be available toplug back in. Nor would any other form of electronic fun: EVERYTHING would be lost by the child...
Ok, but it shouldn't be permanent, then the kid has nothing to achieve by staying within boundaries. However if staying within set limits the kid can gain reward (eg computer privleges back) THEN you have leverage. Leverage is good. The more a kid wants something, the more you can use it to control his/her behavoir pattern. Evil, I know, but it WORKS!
A good point was made, this kid LEARNED this behavoir from the parent's inconsistencies. So you can't blame and / or take it out on the kid.