Is Your Teenager Out of Control?

When your teen is out of control, your life is totalgoing to be easy right now, but ultimately, children need
chaos. If you are experiencing problems with drug use,rules to follow, and teenagers are no different. Tell
rebellious teenagers, shouting matches and runningyour teen what you expect and what the punishment
away, you have probably got an out of controlis when they don't obey. Then stick to it. Do what you
teenager. Keep in mind that he is probably in as muchsay you're going to do with no exceptions.
turmoil as you are, but that is probably of little concernDon't let yourself get into screaming matches. A
when the household is turned upside down. If you havescreaming match is simply a way to exercise control,
other children who are suffering because of yourand you're not going to win by participating.
teenager, you need to tend to the needs of the otherIf you feel that your teenager is running around with a
children too.bad crowd, try to limit his exposure to these friends.
The first thing to do is to get into therapy. YourEncourage positive friendships. As with everything else,
teenager probably won't like this at all, but it's reallyyour child will likely be against this, so don't completely
important to find a therapist that the teen can relate to.forbid it unless these friends are dangerous or
Find someone who specializes in children andparticipating in illegal activity.
teenagers. At this point, it would probably be beneficialMany teenagers have gone through a rebellious stage
for you to get yourself into therapy too. You'll likelyand have been able to grow into mature, responsible
need it to make it through this situation.adults. It is our duty, as parents, to find the appropriate
Your therapist will probably tell you to make somecare for them even when they are out of control.
household rules and stick to them. Again, nothing is