Month: January 2019

A Quick Guide To Helping Troubled Teens

 

A lot of things can get in between family members, which is why it is essential for everyone to learn the different ways on how to handle a situation. One of the possible problems that may arise in a parent-child relationship is a misunderstanding between the two parties. There is a high possibility or chance that the child may start to rebel against his mother and father the moment he starts to feel that no one is around to care for him. At the same time, it can also lead to some serious problems such as early marriage, dropping out of college or even teenage pregnancy or fatherhood.

 

In this article, our primary focus is discussing the proper methods on how to assist and help troubled kids. The first crucial thing that you need to understand is the fact that the way your child acts is affected by several circumstances. For this reason, it is significant on your part to determine the factors that could have given a bad influence over your teen. Below are some of the things that you need to keep in mind all the time:

 

Always Communicate Efficiently  

 

Remember that communication includes listening and talking. Make sure that you let your beloved child know that you are always there for him no matter what happens. Make him feel that he can open up to you anytime so that he will not have a hard time dealing with his issues. In this modern day, it can be difficult on the part of the teens to connect with their elders. As such, do not make it more difficult by becoming available whenever they want to talk. Most importantly, never show them that you are uninterested in what they have to say.

 

Use The Right Words

 

When it comes to conversing or communicating with your teen, be sure to choose the right or appropriate words. You have to be sensitive enough so that you cannot utter something that may offend him. Therefore, it is best if you would think twice before speaking. If you are not fully informed about the present situation or circumstances, the best thing to do is to keep silent. At the same time, you must also see to it that you will keep a friendly tone in all your communications to ensure that he will not feel threatened by you.

 

Sean Grover, LCSW, also reminds parents to look at themselves and their actions and take responsibility for the behavior parents are modeling. He said, “Too many parents don’t consider how their choices are actually producing their child’s negative behavior.”

 

Know His Friends

 

There are many ways on how you can get to know your son, one of which is meeting his friends. Doing so will allow you to somehow build a connection with your kid as well. “The objective is not to be your teen’s best friend, but to find common interests that you can discuss peacefully. Once you’re talking, your teen may feel more comfortable opening up to you about other topics, ” wrote Lawrence Robinson and Jeanne Segal, PhD.

Hence, make it a top priority to get to know all the people whom he gets to see every single day. Know the names of his classmates, schoolmates, and friends outside of the school campus. If possible, find a way to have a personal encounter with these individuals so that you can assess whether they are of good influence or not. Just avoid sounding condescending so that your teen will not hate you in return.

 

Keep Everything Private

 

The moment you discover that your teen has gotten into trouble, the next step that you have to perform is to comfort him. Do not embarrass him in public so that he will not feel rejected. Aside from this, it is crucial to make him realize that you are willing to forgive him no matter what happens. Avoid airing your family’s dirty laundry in public. Avoid the habit of talking about your son’s failures and mistakes in front of your friends. Remember that your words to others can harm your son in so many ways.

 

Never Give Up

 

It can be challenging and stressful to maintain a good relationship with a child or teen who does not want to get help. There will be several days when you may feel like giving up, especially when you notice that your efforts are going to waste. However, losing hope about your child’s welfare and future is only going to hurt you and the entire family. Thus, you have to keep going. Find strength from your husband or other children so that it will not be more difficult on your part to offer more patience and understanding to your beloved teen.

 

As Dona Mathews, PhD, said, “With a little effort, you can almost always find humour instead of aggravation, and share that with your child. Let them feel they have someone on their side who doesn’t take it all too seriously, but at the same time, sees how hard it is and loves them all the same.”

 

Seek Professional Help

 

As a parent, it is vital for you to learn how to assess the condition of your teen. Do you think that his attitude has become more erratic lately? Have you experienced a worrying encounter with him? Is it possible that he is suffering from a psychological issue or mental health problem? If you are not sure with the answers, it is ideal to seek professional help. All that must be done is to get in touch with a professional therapist or counselor who can be trusted. Book an appointment ahead of time to avoid inconvenience.

 

Follow the tips mentioned above and your problem with the troubled teen may be eliminated soon.