For me at least, being grounded was the preferable alternative to having my ass beaten physically off my body with the nearest leather belt or wooden implement. I can serve my time and be free afterward, or I can make things worse for everyone involved, and still be grounded but also be physically harmed while I'm grounded.

Was this good and right? Hell if I know, man. It feels like a fundamental disrespect of someone's human rights, but also, I was ten, and it succeeded in teaching me to be less of an incorrigible little fucker.

In my house it was:

Grounded.

Grounded to bedroom

Grounded to bedroom with all toys locked away (books didn't count)

I loved reading so I mostly just stopped there and read 30 volumes of old science magazines in a row.