How to Help a Teen With a Behavior Problem

It can seem like your dear child turned into a beast overnight.

Teenagers are often stereotyped as being rebellious. Although most teens make it to adulthood intact, some do struggle with behavior problems. Teens' brains are not fully mature, making it difficult to adapt to the added pressures and responsibilities of approaching adulthood. They can make impulsive decisions and take risks that they later regret. Parents can help by setting rules, being consistent, and letting their kids know they're loved, but problems can still occur. The good news is that once a problem is recognized, there is hope.

Instructions

Getting Help for your Teen

1. 

   Behavior problems can lead to trouble with the law.

   Recognize there is a problem. Symptoms include drug and alcohol use, violence, cutting, problems at school, promiscuity, talk of suicide and being arrested. An attitude that has taken a major turn for the worse and lasts at least six weeks can also indicate a problem.

2. 

   Therapy opens doors for healing.

   Choose a behavioral health professional. Therapy is important not just for your teen, but for the entire family. Everyone in the household is affected by the situation, especially siblings who might not understand what is happening. Therapy can also help you to learn strategies for interacting with your teen. In addition, seeing that you are willing to speak with someone may make it easier for your teen to do the same. Many professionals offer sliding scales or referrals if you don't have the money to pay for therapy.

3. 

   Being a teen isn't easy, but supportive parenting helps.

   Enforce family rules. Consistency is difficult but critical. Lax enforcement leads to ongoing infringements. The rules should be fair, logical, and clearly stated. Curfew and limiting computer and phone time are extremely important. Monitoring your teen's activities can be hard work, but the reward is worth the struggle.

Tips & Warnings

• Let your teen know that she can come to you with her problems.

• Be understanding, but do not undermine your own authority.

• Call 911 if you believe your teen is in danger of harming himself or others.

References

• AACAP.org: The Teen Brain: Behavior, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
• KidsHealth.org: A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Teen Years

Resources

• Empowering Parents: Is It an Adolescent Phase---or Out-of-Control Behavior?