| Are you starting to look into homes for troubled teens | | | | around troubled kids. |
| because you don't know how much more chaos you | | | | Common to most all such schools and programs is the |
| can stand? Has your home become a bad dream of | | | | provision of structure and discipline, which most teens |
| upset and negativity because your teenager has | | | | seem to need, although they rebel against both. Your |
| become angry, sullen, sarcastic, disrespectful, even | | | | teen will encounter situations requiring working together |
| defiant? | | | | with other members of the group, and he or she will |
| You know that part of growing up is a certain | | | | learn the need for, and the value of cooperation. He or |
| separating from one's parents, but you don't know | | | | she will learn that actions, or lack of action, have |
| how it is that your once sweet, cooperative, respectful | | | | consequences. |
| child has become the monster that is tearing your | | | | Because your child will be in the hands of |
| family apart. | | | | professionals, who deal with these issues daily, they |
| You've read, and combed the internet, and talked to | | | | are likely to be more skilled, and won't get caught up in |
| counselors, and tried all the things that have been | | | | the upset and drama your teen is so skilled at creating. |
| suggested. You've tried "active listening", and "active | | | | Also, getting the child away from the people and |
| parenting" and "tough love" and workshops and | | | | situations that may be bad for him is a huge plus. |
| counseling and spending quality time-and you don't | | | | The school will slowly change the child's self-image, |
| know what to do any longer, because nothing seems | | | | and show him a better way to act and to be, and |
| to work. | | | | transform his/her self-destructive behaviors into |
| Maybe there is help. | | | | positive and constructive ones, while attempting to |
| We know a lot more today about what makes | | | | meet his or her emotional needs. |
| teenagers tick than we used to, and there are a | | | | You'll be smart to check out a number of programs |
| number of "Boarding School" options that can offer | | | | and schools to find the one that seems to fit your child |
| help, and that actually can be truly transformative for | | | | best. Examine accreditation and licensing. Look into the |
| the troubled, angry, defiant teenager. | | | | curriculum, and the faculty and staff and the programs. |
| For the most severely troubled, or even mentally ill, | | | | See what you think of the school's overall philosophy |
| there are "Residential Treatment Centers" with | | | | and approach, and simply the "vibe" you get from |
| psychologists and/or psychiatrists on staff and on-site. | | | | talking and visiting. Ask for references, and check |
| There are faith-based programs sponsored by many | | | | them. |
| denominations. There are "Boot Camps" and | | | | And don't give up hope. There's a very good chance |
| "Wilderness Camps"-- often highly regimented, and | | | | that you'll be doing the best thing possible for your teen, |
| emphasizing physical fitness. Other programs | | | | yourself, and your family. |
| emphasize academics, while they also focus on turning | | | | |