Troubled Teens

No family wants to have to deal with a troubled teenager or youth but so many do so here are some important things you should know about troubled teens.

Many teens first begin to give signs of growing problems in their life such as being isolated, having new friends that you’ve never met or strange behavior that make it difficult for him to fit in with his peers. There are other signs as well such as hiding things from you, keeping secrets, the abuse of drugs and alcohol and a sudden drop in grades or academic proficiency. You may also see signs of anxiety or depression as well as violence either to themselves or to others. Sudden loss or gain of weight, a nervous breakdown and even mood swings are other signs that can warn of impending changes and trouble.  

When you begin seeing these sign it’s important not to turn the other cheek and wait until the problems have gotten too server to be dealt with. Don’t avoid these issues with your teen in the hopes that they will just go away on their own - they probably wont and it’s even more likely that they’ll grow and become worse. It’s also crucial that you make sure you enforce consequences and penalties for breaking the rules or exhibiting disobedient behavior. You absolutely must show you’re teen who is boss and who is making the rules. Without clear boundaries your teen will be even more likely to do whatever they please, whenever they please and that an make it even harder to reel in their dangerous behavior when problems get bigger. Show that you’re not going to back down right from the start and you have a much better chance of being able to control your teen when things get tough.

Don’t be overly critical or harsh with your teenager especially when they’re going through such a difficult time. If you need to adjust your demands and goals a little bit to be within reason of what they’re going through at the time then that’s just fine but don’t let them slack off and get away with whatever they think they can. It’s important that you not be too hard on them though because no more than ever is when a troubled teen needs your encouragement and your support along with a structure that you’ve set up for them. It’s important to strike a balance where your teen realizes there are rules and consequences and knowing that they are loved and supported in their goals and their endeavors.

Don’t leave the discussion of important topics such as sex, the use of drugs and alcohol and important life choices up to schools and counselors and not engaging with your teen on your own as well. It’s important that you tell your teen what the standards for your household are on these issues and explain to them the many different paths they can take in these areas, what your experiences have been, and what you feel the best route is for your teen. Being candid and honest with them is far better than leaving their education up to a few teachers and their friends at school.

Take the time to use this advice while working with your troubled teen and you’ll certainly see a great benefit from it.