Troubled teens resist structure. They constantly push boundaries set by authority figures. Adolescence is about finding identity, even when seeking independence involves drug and/or alcohol abuse, hostility and breaking laws. If you're a parent seeking troubled teen help, consider a structured environment like The Pinnacle Schools.
Since 2005, The Pinnacle Schools have focused on high quality help for struggling teens. With firm, but fair behavior parameters and positive peer modeling, troubled teen help is imminent. When teenagers are in structured surroundings, they learn what signifies positive behavior, appropriate language and proper etiquette.
Your teenager will come to understand they cannot use drugs, have sex, curse, fight or harass other students and/or staff. However, punishment is never punitive; rather it always "fits the crime". Teens may have to relinquish their cell phone for fighting or face suspension for using illegal substances.
Think about it, wouldn't it be easier to enroll your adolescent in residential treatment instead of visiting him/her in a juvenile detention center? There is no blame assigned to parents who need professional help for struggling teens. Where troubled teen help is concerned, it's much wiser to be proactive than to react when their behavior escalates out of your control.
Try to understand that teens, who yell the loudest about autonomy, actually need and want a structured life, even if they don't consciously realize it. Some teens test parent's limits because they are allowed too much freedom. Others may have a brain malfunction that leads to poor impulse control, depression and/or displaced anger.
Regardless of the root cause leading to teens troubling behavior, evidence based practice and clinical research have demonstrated that constant structure is non-negotiable. But, there is a huge difference between beneficial structure and inflexibility. Parenting by intimidation, where it's "my way or the highway", usually just triggers rebellion. Adolescents typically cooperate more when they have a voice in parental expectations. Respect, compassion and even fair compromise for your teens wants and needs gain positive mileage.
Once rules are established, they should remain consistent. Changing expectations are confusing to the teen, who might think 'what's the use of trying when I never please them'.
Still, the kindest, most loving parents can't always provide troubled teen help that experienced professionals can offer. Statistics say one out of five adolescents will demonstrate emotional issues far more devastating than typical teenage behavior.
If this sounds like your current situation, mightn't be prudent to explore residential treatment centers such as The Pinnacle Schools for troubled teen help?
