How to Deal With A Troubled Teen

Whether it's substance abuse, promiscuity that could lead to pregnancy or mental health issues that could lead to suicide, it's a challenge dealing with a troubled teen. Sometimes it takes a doctor or a social worker to help; but there are other ways you can keep your teen from destroying himself and your family. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Face the fact that you have a troubled teen. Often parents don't want to know that their child is promiscuous or doing drugs and allows the kids to manipulate them. Part of dealing with these problems is understanding what your role is in the situation.
2. Look for evidence of misbehavior. This can be tricky if your child is effective in keeping secrets. The first issue you'll have to deal with in fixing the situation is your teen's denial, so back up your accusations with evidence.
3. Determine whether it's a problem that can be treated. Get your child therapy if you suspect she has a mental illness. Check out youth treatment centers if your child is abusing alcohol or drugs.
4. Find out about wilderness programs in your area. This is a less extreme way of dealing with a troubled teen. Studies show that being out in nature gives kids a different perspective on their behavior and their lives.
5. Look into boot camps for an extremely defiant teen. They last for a few months and provide a structured environment similar to military school. Follow this experience with a boarding or military school so the lessons he learned there stick.
6. Send your teen to a boarding school if you see she's heading for trouble. She'll probably be against it but when she sees the personal attention and encouragement she gets, away from the pressures at home, she'll understand how it can benefit her.
7. Consider a military school if your teen expresses an interest in the armed forces. The highly structured schedule may help him deal with rebellion if he's motivated. Be aware, however, that they have zero tolerance for misbehavior so make sure your troubled child really wants to be there.