I see.

[He can't say anything, because that sounds fair, so he smiles.]

But really, you're pretty strict, aren't you? I'm afraid I'm more lenient.

[He usually lets people off with a warning, especially if it was something he could understand. He remembers how being a teenager was, so he can find an apology for a lot of things.]

Kid's going through a difficult phae. Don't be too hard on him.