When I was in middle school my parents grounded me from a dance. I had a date and everything. They didn't cave in and I did learn a lesson. Usually I didn't complain with my punishments, (my junior year of high school they took my car away and I rode the bus) I didn't complain so I got some of my punishment taken off. My brother always argued and complained and they usually got sick of hearing it and gave in to him. If you ask my mom that is one of her biggest regrets because now he is so hard to control.
I think you were being a great mom!