It seems that there are no limits to the amount of trouble some teens will get into. To be fair, it is in a teens nature, and typical teen behavior, to butt heads with their parents as they struggle to gain independence. However, the seriousness of teen behavior issues can vary greatly, covering everything from pushing the limits of curfew to drug abuse and violence. Although teen behavior often poses some challenges, with the right approach, you can troubleshoot many of the issues before they escalate.
One of the best ways to combat teen behavior issues is to begin early. From a young age kids need to be supported with a loving, nurturing, and structured environment. Positive parenting encourages self esteem that will help your child become resistant to peer pressure. In addition, you should always encourage good decision making skills when it comes to making friends. Plus, allowing your child to make some of their own choices from a young age, can assist them in building confidence in good decision making skills.
The most effective tool you have when working with teen behavior issues is communication. When you lecture a teen it often goes in one ear and out the other, especially in a dispute when both the parent and teen are upset. However, setting the time to clearly outline rules, expectations, and consequences removes the ambiguity that may enhance issues. Plus, having a discussion instead of arguing lets your teen know that you are concerned and have their best interests at heart. Often, teens act out in search of attention or because they start to believe they are not actually cared about.
For current problems, there are ways to help your teen change negative behaviors. Teens, by nature, are motivated by self interests. It is best to avoid spoiling them and allow them to earn their privileges. Teen contracts provide clear communication regarding behavior expectations and their associated privileges or rewards. They offer a positive spin on parenting in which a teen learns to take accountability for themselves. For example, a teen contract may state that the privilege of driving the car or hanging out with friends on Friday nights is earned by making good grades and coming home on time for curfew. On the other hand, negative behaviors may result in the loss of a privilege or punishment. The important thing is that the teen makes the decision knowing the consequences, good or bad. If you are consistent with the terms of the contract, your teen will likely make decisions based on gaining privileges, instead of disciplinary action.
Teen behavior issues can be frustrating for parents and may even jeopardize the safety of the teen. Utilizing positive parenting tactics often helps. However, if your teen has a serious issue, such as substance abuse, violent behavior, or severe defiance, seek professional help. Their issues may be the result of a serious mental condition that needs to be treated before they become a danger to themselves or others. Plus, a therapist can work with your teen to assist them in making better choices.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tardies and Truancy
With a new school year beginning around the world it may be a good time to address tardy and truancy issues, before it becomes a problem.
The bell rings and class begins, but is your child in their seat? Every school district has their own policies, procedures, and disciplinary actions regarding attendance. However, habitual delinquencies can pose serious problems for both the student and their parents. Consistent tardies and truancy may prevent a child from receiving a proper education or even graduating on time. In addition, if the problem becomes severe, school authorities may contact Child Protective Services.
The fact is that the majority of students make it to class on time. If tardies occur, they are primarily during the first class of the day. When a student walks in the door 5 or 15 minutes late, they often miss the instruction for the day and any warm up exercises that are routinely done at the beginning of class. It is time that the other students were on task learning, while the late student was not. Instead, the late student usually comes in hurried, flustered, and embarrassed. Then, they must deal with the stress of catching up on what they missed. Overall, it is not a good way to begin the day.
In addition, tardies can affect the learning of all the other classmates. The late student draws attention to him/her self upon walking in the door and rustling through their book bag after class has already begun. For a moment, everyone else in the class room may be distracted by their entrance or the teacher who stops the lesson to scold them for being tardy. Tardies can be very frustrating to teachers who are interrupted or must repeat instructions for those who don't make it to class on time.
Truancy is when a student fails to appear for class at all and their absence is unexcused. Students who are truant pose an even greater concern, as it is often unknown why they weren't in school and what they were doing with their unsupervised time. It can be a sign of any number of serious problems including school bullying, depression, drug use, and more. In terms of academics, it means a substantial loss of class time that generally results in poor grades. Most schools have policies that require a student to be in the class room for a certain amount of time in order to receive full credit and graduate with their peers.
If a child is absent from school for a justifiable reason, the parent must follow the schools protocol and call the office or send a note. However, sometimes students assume the identity of their parents in order to avoid getting in trouble at home. So, if you suspect your child is not in school when they need to be, you may want to verify attendance records with their school's secretary.
Parents must help their kids maintain regular school attendance. In some states, parents are being prosecuted and fined for failure to do so. In addition, many schools have a policy in which they contact social services or Child Protective Services after a certain amount of class time has been missed. Also, be advised that it is not uncommon for schools to count multiple tardies as a day of truancy.
The bell rings and class begins, but is your child in their seat? Every school district has their own policies, procedures, and disciplinary actions regarding attendance. However, habitual delinquencies can pose serious problems for both the student and their parents. Consistent tardies and truancy may prevent a child from receiving a proper education or even graduating on time. In addition, if the problem becomes severe, school authorities may contact Child Protective Services.
The fact is that the majority of students make it to class on time. If tardies occur, they are primarily during the first class of the day. When a student walks in the door 5 or 15 minutes late, they often miss the instruction for the day and any warm up exercises that are routinely done at the beginning of class. It is time that the other students were on task learning, while the late student was not. Instead, the late student usually comes in hurried, flustered, and embarrassed. Then, they must deal with the stress of catching up on what they missed. Overall, it is not a good way to begin the day.
In addition, tardies can affect the learning of all the other classmates. The late student draws attention to him/her self upon walking in the door and rustling through their book bag after class has already begun. For a moment, everyone else in the class room may be distracted by their entrance or the teacher who stops the lesson to scold them for being tardy. Tardies can be very frustrating to teachers who are interrupted or must repeat instructions for those who don't make it to class on time.
Truancy is when a student fails to appear for class at all and their absence is unexcused. Students who are truant pose an even greater concern, as it is often unknown why they weren't in school and what they were doing with their unsupervised time. It can be a sign of any number of serious problems including school bullying, depression, drug use, and more. In terms of academics, it means a substantial loss of class time that generally results in poor grades. Most schools have policies that require a student to be in the class room for a certain amount of time in order to receive full credit and graduate with their peers.
If a child is absent from school for a justifiable reason, the parent must follow the schools protocol and call the office or send a note. However, sometimes students assume the identity of their parents in order to avoid getting in trouble at home. So, if you suspect your child is not in school when they need to be, you may want to verify attendance records with their school's secretary.
Parents must help their kids maintain regular school attendance. In some states, parents are being prosecuted and fined for failure to do so. In addition, many schools have a policy in which they contact social services or Child Protective Services after a certain amount of class time has been missed. Also, be advised that it is not uncommon for schools to count multiple tardies as a day of truancy.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Out of Control Teens
The teenage years can be a trying time as they often test parenting skills to their limits. While a certain degree of teenage rebellion and defiance is considered normal, some teens spiral out of control and become a dangerous threat to themselves and others. It is important for parents to understand when a teen is in serious trouble and when to call for help.
Even the best teens may test their boundaries at times as they seek to gain independence. Arguing rules, lingering out past curfew once or twice, a slip in grades, and failure to complete chores are all common problems that occur with many teens. These situations should not be excused or taken lightly. However, they are not necessarily symptoms that merit major concern.
On the other hand, more serious problems such as drug/alcohol abuse, risky sexual behavior, gang activity, violence, conduct disorder or a lengthy period of extreme defiance are all signs of a teen who has behavior that is out of control. In addition, a drastic shift in your teens attitude could be a sign indicating one or more of these problems. Overall, if a teen has behavior concerns that pose a threat to their safety and cannot be modified, the situation is serious.
Out of control teens need an intervention. Cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and other forms of mental health care may offer solutions that will change unwanted behaviors. There are psychological conditions such as Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and a number of others that can cause or contribute to a teens out of control behavior. Any mental condition that plays a role in dangerous behavior needs to be treated by a professional. In addition, there are residential treatment centers that offer a safe environment for a troubled teen, while they get the therapeutic help they need. If your teen is out of control, do not wait to get treatment. Often, an early intervention produces the best results for change.
Even the best teens may test their boundaries at times as they seek to gain independence. Arguing rules, lingering out past curfew once or twice, a slip in grades, and failure to complete chores are all common problems that occur with many teens. These situations should not be excused or taken lightly. However, they are not necessarily symptoms that merit major concern.
On the other hand, more serious problems such as drug/alcohol abuse, risky sexual behavior, gang activity, violence, conduct disorder or a lengthy period of extreme defiance are all signs of a teen who has behavior that is out of control. In addition, a drastic shift in your teens attitude could be a sign indicating one or more of these problems. Overall, if a teen has behavior concerns that pose a threat to their safety and cannot be modified, the situation is serious.
Out of control teens need an intervention. Cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and other forms of mental health care may offer solutions that will change unwanted behaviors. There are psychological conditions such as Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and a number of others that can cause or contribute to a teens out of control behavior. Any mental condition that plays a role in dangerous behavior needs to be treated by a professional. In addition, there are residential treatment centers that offer a safe environment for a troubled teen, while they get the therapeutic help they need. If your teen is out of control, do not wait to get treatment. Often, an early intervention produces the best results for change.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
It is normal for children to practice their independence by being disobedient or defiant at times. However, Oppositional Defiant Disorder goes far beyond the bounds of normal behavior. It is characterized by an ongoing defiance against authority figures. Children and teens with Oppositional Defiant Disorder may repeatedly exhibit behavior that is disobedient and hostile. Plus, they are often very stubborn and incorrigible when it comes to cooperating for long enough to change their defiant actions.
An estimated 2%-16% of the population are presumed to have behavior that is characteristic of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. However, its symptoms are primarily expressed during childhood and adolescence. Young children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder are likely to develop conduct disorders as they grow into their teenage years. If the condition is left untreated, more than half of those affected will still meet the diagnostic criteria up to three years later.
In order for a child to be diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, they must have a history of expressing symptoms for a period of 6 months or more. In addition, it needs to be proven that the child's defiant actions are affecting their ability to function. Troubles at school, home, or within the community may be assessed as part of the diagnostic criteria for this condition. On the other hand, if a child has another disorder pertaining to conduct, depression, anxiety, or sleep patterns, Oppositional Defiant Disorder cannot be formally diagnosed. Unless, other variables have been ruled out, it is difficult to attribute behavior problems to this condition.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder will affect everyone in the family. Parents often struggle to gain control or administer teen discipline when faced with the symptoms of this condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and social skills training have all been proven helpful in certain cases of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. However, parents may also need to be counseled about how to manage their child who is affected. In addition, some residential treatment centers specialize in Oppositional Defiant Disorder and provide intense therapy to combat the associated behavioral issues.
An estimated 2%-16% of the population are presumed to have behavior that is characteristic of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. However, its symptoms are primarily expressed during childhood and adolescence. Young children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder are likely to develop conduct disorders as they grow into their teenage years. If the condition is left untreated, more than half of those affected will still meet the diagnostic criteria up to three years later.
In order for a child to be diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, they must have a history of expressing symptoms for a period of 6 months or more. In addition, it needs to be proven that the child's defiant actions are affecting their ability to function. Troubles at school, home, or within the community may be assessed as part of the diagnostic criteria for this condition. On the other hand, if a child has another disorder pertaining to conduct, depression, anxiety, or sleep patterns, Oppositional Defiant Disorder cannot be formally diagnosed. Unless, other variables have been ruled out, it is difficult to attribute behavior problems to this condition.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder will affect everyone in the family. Parents often struggle to gain control or administer teen discipline when faced with the symptoms of this condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and social skills training have all been proven helpful in certain cases of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. However, parents may also need to be counseled about how to manage their child who is affected. In addition, some residential treatment centers specialize in Oppositional Defiant Disorder and provide intense therapy to combat the associated behavioral issues.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Teen DXM Abuse
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant that is commonly added to cough and cold medications such as Nyquil and Robitussin. As cough syrups and cold medications are widely available, as well as other over the counter (OTC) drugs, teens find easy access to this drug. Using an excessive amount of DXM produces a similar high as the illegal drug PCP. The short term effects of abusing cough and cold medications results in delusions, hallucinations, and an altered sense of reality. It is estimated that as many as 1 in every 10 high school students has taken high doses of cough or cold medications with the purpose of getting high.
Due to the fact that there is easy access to cough syrups and cold medications, it is difficult to prevent teens from experimenting with DXM. In some places, there are laws that prohibit the selling of cough syrups to minors under the age of 18. In addition, parents are encouraged to keep these types of drugs in a safe place, outside of the medicine cabinet, and talk to their teens about the dangers of misusing them. Many teens view DXM as a drug that is relatively safe, because it is legal and sold in stores. However, using cold and cough medications to get high can pose some serious health consequences.
DXM affects the brain directly and has the ability to alter many of the organ systems. Dizziness, difficulty breathing, memory loss, seizures, an irregular heart rhythm, extreme changes in blood pressure, and even coma or death can result. In addition, Cough and cold syrups and other medications commonly contain a combination of ingredients that may include acetaminophen, a drug for headaches, pain, and fever. In high doses, acetaminophen is toxic to the body and can cause significant damage to the liver. Overall, DXM poses significant danger to those who abuse it. Parents need to be aware of this growing trend and watchful for teen DMX abuse in their homes.
Due to the fact that there is easy access to cough syrups and cold medications, it is difficult to prevent teens from experimenting with DXM. In some places, there are laws that prohibit the selling of cough syrups to minors under the age of 18. In addition, parents are encouraged to keep these types of drugs in a safe place, outside of the medicine cabinet, and talk to their teens about the dangers of misusing them. Many teens view DXM as a drug that is relatively safe, because it is legal and sold in stores. However, using cold and cough medications to get high can pose some serious health consequences.
DXM affects the brain directly and has the ability to alter many of the organ systems. Dizziness, difficulty breathing, memory loss, seizures, an irregular heart rhythm, extreme changes in blood pressure, and even coma or death can result. In addition, Cough and cold syrups and other medications commonly contain a combination of ingredients that may include acetaminophen, a drug for headaches, pain, and fever. In high doses, acetaminophen is toxic to the body and can cause significant damage to the liver. Overall, DXM poses significant danger to those who abuse it. Parents need to be aware of this growing trend and watchful for teen DMX abuse in their homes.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Teen Independence
Parenting teens can be particularly challenging. Some rebellion can be expected as teens naturally struggle for their independence. Teens will push boundaries, argue for the sake of arguing, and compete with you in an ongoing battle for power. Finding the balance between giving them too much freedom and being overprotective is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome. However, it is healthy and natural for a teen to grow into an independent adult.
Next time your teen fights you over curfew or battles to make their own choices, have some perspective on the situation. Although parenting a teen that fights for their independence may seem like a challenge, consider the alternative. Imagine if your teen never wanted to leave the house and was content living under your roof and under your instruction for life. This would not be appropriate or healthy. A teen’s desire to become independent is an innate characteristic that assists them in growing into adulthood.
As teens struggle for their independence, there may be times when it is appropriate to give in. This doesn’t mean to give them free reign in every situation. However, you may want to pick your battles. Teens should start exercising some control over many of their own choices. Therefore, ask yourself if the issue at hand poses an immediate threat to your teen or their safety. Although you may not agree with all the choices your teen makes, they should still be entitled to make decisions independently when it is feasible.
Teaching independence to your teen goes hand in hand with teaching responsibility. It may not be as important for your teen to always make the right decisions as it is for them to learn accountability for the decisions they make. Set up a system of rewards and consequences that correspond with the goals you have for your teen. If they chose not to take out the trash, they learn that they cannot borrow the car. This allows teens to exercise power to make their own choices, while learning accountability and growing into independent adults.
Next time your teen fights you over curfew or battles to make their own choices, have some perspective on the situation. Although parenting a teen that fights for their independence may seem like a challenge, consider the alternative. Imagine if your teen never wanted to leave the house and was content living under your roof and under your instruction for life. This would not be appropriate or healthy. A teen’s desire to become independent is an innate characteristic that assists them in growing into adulthood.
As teens struggle for their independence, there may be times when it is appropriate to give in. This doesn’t mean to give them free reign in every situation. However, you may want to pick your battles. Teens should start exercising some control over many of their own choices. Therefore, ask yourself if the issue at hand poses an immediate threat to your teen or their safety. Although you may not agree with all the choices your teen makes, they should still be entitled to make decisions independently when it is feasible.
Teaching independence to your teen goes hand in hand with teaching responsibility. It may not be as important for your teen to always make the right decisions as it is for them to learn accountability for the decisions they make. Set up a system of rewards and consequences that correspond with the goals you have for your teen. If they chose not to take out the trash, they learn that they cannot borrow the car. This allows teens to exercise power to make their own choices, while learning accountability and growing into independent adults.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Motivating Your Teen
Many parents feel that all they ever do is nag, lecture, ground, and yell at their teens without ever receiving any results. Whether you want them to do homework, chores, or follow household rules, motivating a teen can be a challenge. Many teens fail to be self motivated for a number of reasons. However, there are several things a parent can do to effectively gain cooperation.
When a teen struggles in school or becomes resistant to parental instruction, it is important to consider the source of the problem. While a certain degree of noncompliance may be expected from a teenager, some may have underlying issues that exacerbate this problem. Sometimes the issue may be with the teen. Low self-esteem and depression can cause a teen to be unmotivated. In this case, you may want to seek professional help for solutions.
In addition, many teens lose motivation because their parents have enabled them to do so. Adults need to hold teens accountable for their actions. Allowing them to make some of their own decisions and experience failure is part of the process of growing up. Responsibility and motivation go hand in hand. If a teen is constantly under the “control” of their parent, they may not be learning to take care of things on their own. They need to be allowed to make decisions and experience the consequences accordingly.
Often, teens are unmotivated because they simply do not care about the task at hand. Although you would like to see your teen complete their chores, your teen might not be as worried about the garbage being taken out. People in general are motivated by self interests. With teens this is especially true. Motivate teens by rewarding positive behavior with privileges and other incentives. The days of hand outs are over. Give your teen the opportunity to get what they want by earning it. Whether your teen desires to borrow the car, have extra money for school clothes, or get a new cell phone, motivating them by their self interests will help you gain their cooperation and teach them responsibility for their own actions.
When a teen struggles in school or becomes resistant to parental instruction, it is important to consider the source of the problem. While a certain degree of noncompliance may be expected from a teenager, some may have underlying issues that exacerbate this problem. Sometimes the issue may be with the teen. Low self-esteem and depression can cause a teen to be unmotivated. In this case, you may want to seek professional help for solutions.
In addition, many teens lose motivation because their parents have enabled them to do so. Adults need to hold teens accountable for their actions. Allowing them to make some of their own decisions and experience failure is part of the process of growing up. Responsibility and motivation go hand in hand. If a teen is constantly under the “control” of their parent, they may not be learning to take care of things on their own. They need to be allowed to make decisions and experience the consequences accordingly.
Often, teens are unmotivated because they simply do not care about the task at hand. Although you would like to see your teen complete their chores, your teen might not be as worried about the garbage being taken out. People in general are motivated by self interests. With teens this is especially true. Motivate teens by rewarding positive behavior with privileges and other incentives. The days of hand outs are over. Give your teen the opportunity to get what they want by earning it. Whether your teen desires to borrow the car, have extra money for school clothes, or get a new cell phone, motivating them by their self interests will help you gain their cooperation and teach them responsibility for their own actions.
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