There's religious overtones tied up in it...

But I'd like to think that when the time comes, I'm more Dutch than American. 

Look, I don't think that 16 year olds understand consequences.  I didn't. 

However. 

There are lots and lots of ways to not have consequences. 

My kids keeping things from me because of some shame that I place on them is not going to help me help them avoid consequences.