| Being a teenager is a great time in life. However, when | | | | that can refer you to an expert. |
| our teenager needs help, as a parent, we have to find | | | | Some communities have teen help lines, where teens |
| answers and we need to do that quickly. No matter | | | | can call in anonymously to ask for help. They usually |
| what the problem is facing teens today, there are | | | | speak with other teens supervised by trained adults in |
| support groups out there to see them through the | | | | issues facing teens. There are online sites where |
| problems. Many schools have programs to give teens | | | | teens can get help also. As a parent, you will want to |
| help. Sometimes we can find a program within the | | | | think about which course to take with your child. You |
| local school to help our child. Many High Schools have | | | | understand your child and have an insight that others |
| local Students Against Drunk Drivers, or SADD | | | | might not have. If caught early enough having |
| chapters. Some schools offer support groups for | | | | someone to talk to may be enough to help steer your |
| anything from bullying to cutter groups. | | | | child away from potential danger. If caught later down |
| If the local school does not have the help we are | | | | the road, you may have to consider drastic measure. |
| looking for it is okay to move on to the local behavior | | | | To help your child get things back together, you may |
| health agency. If they do not have a support group, | | | | have to consider other options. There are weekend |
| they may offer one on one counseling with your child. | | | | courses to help teens. These courses are usually |
| When visiting the pediatrician, you may want to ask | | | | assigned by the courts and they offer two |
| about a program, that gives teens the help, that they | | | | alternatives. One, they keep the teens occupied on the |
| need. Your doctor may not have a program, but he | | | | weekend and out of trouble. And two, they give the |
| may be familiar with programs in the area to assist | | | | teen answers to social situations that they may find |
| your child. He may have brochures or other literature | | | | difficult to deal with on their own. |