Troubled Teens

Troubled Teens by Margaret Tye

Are you trying to cope with a troubled teen? Most teenagers go through a difficult period, it's part of becoming independent, but when their behavior becomes anti-social, their schooling is suffering or they seem unduly depressed, then you should think about taking action. If your troubled teen seems depressed and lacking self motivation, but is unwilling to talk to you, then they may need counseling.

An out of control teen also needs to be given the opportunity to discuss any issues they may have before more drastic measures are taken, such a school for troubled teens, a boot camp or a troubled teen program. As parents, none of us are perfect and you may have to examine how you are disciplining your teen, to see if it is consistent and appropriate. It is not an easy to remain calm and rational when dealing with a troubled teen whose behavior seems totally irrational, but that is what you must do. All families need a set of rules and values that should be adhered to, if the rules are broken, the punishment must be consistent.

Firstly you need to look at your teen's behavior and examine the form that it is taking. Are they out of control at home but performing well at school and not getting into trouble with the law? If that is the case, then you should be looking at the rules of behavior you have set, to see whether you are being consistent in punishment when those rules are broken. Children of any age will push boundaries if they think they can get away with it. If they know you are soft but school is tough, they will act accordingly.

If your troubled teen is having problems at school, whether it is falling grades, truancy or getting expelled, obviously the first thing to do is try to find the cause and a possible solution before you need to resort to more drastic measures, such as a boarding school for troubled teens, a boot camp or a troubled teen program.

A depressed teen needs help urgently before the situation worsens. Even if your teen is willing to talk to you, they may not fully understand why they are feeling as they do. If you are unable to resolve the problem, speak to your physician. He or she may advise on a professional who knows how to find the root cause.

Most parents will tell you how awful the teen years are, but fortunately most troubled teens develop into well adjusted adults. If there is a real problem, the sooner you intervene with the right guiding hand, the better their chances.

Advice on health matters should always be confirmed with a doctor and no liability is accepted for any action taken.

About the Author

Margaret Tye runs the FromTots2Teens website that offers information on supplies for children of all ages as well as advice on health and other child and teenage related problems. You are welcome to use this article as long as the author is acknowledged and the article is linked back to From Tots 2 Teens

Thanks Margaret for the great info. I have had so very little trouble in this area that I am leaving the advice up those more knowledgeable in the field. My view is that your most important parenting with a child is from ages 0-5. After that everything is downhill. These are the most impressive years and if you gain the knowledge to do it right the rest is easy.

On the other hand, I have been a big influence on the lives of several teenage nieces, nephews and friends. Maybe I know more than I think on the subject. I have taught tough love, hard work, long hours and grow up fast. Between my work ethics and the accomplishments of my daughters the message gets across, work hard and succeed. All of my extended family are making a good life for themselves.

Lets take a quick minute and define success. I have a daughter that is doing her doctorate work at Yale, another that just graduated from music college and has already helped the Rolling Stones produce their latest CD. I have a nephew that is a great auto mechanic and is home schooling his only daughter. I have a niece that is raising a delightful 8 year old boy and is a beautician while he is in school. I have another nephew, a painter, doing a great job of co-parenting a wonderful 3 year old. My 18 year old will be going to ASU next year to study journalism. Now, she is in charge of her school paper and loves it. I am a contractor and my only claim to fame is my children and my extended family. I like to think all these individuals were touched by my influence and that they are successful. Never give up on a teenager with troubles. Teach tough love and seek knowledge to help you through.

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