During adolescence, young people begin to take risks and experiment. They do so because they are moving from a family-centered world to the larger community within which they will begin to define their own identity. They may choose friends their parents do not approve of or try alcohol or other drugs. They may wear clothing that is trendy and generational, begin comparing their families’ lifestyles with those of other families, or break rules imposed by their parents or the larger community. Lava Heights academy helps troubled teens struggling with substance abuse issues and seeking help thorugh performing arts. Call us today for free information 866-452-8772.
Through these actions, young people are testing the limits. They are recreating themselves in a fashion that they believe will allow them to survive without the day-to-day guidance of their parents. They are also trying to shift the balance of power and authority in their own direction. Parents are understandably troubled by the confrontational nature of some adolescent behavior. They also worry about other actions that may threaten the safety of their child.
While there are no easy answers in parenting, the following strategies may help you support your child during adolescence while reducing the risk of serious harm to either your child or another person:
Educate yourself about adolescent development. Learn about the behaviors to expect, the effects of physical changes, and ways to help your child deal with change. (See “When Your Adolescent Needs Help,” below for information on how to seek guidance on dealing with your adolescent, and “Print Resources for Parents” for a list of resource materials.)
Remember your own adolescence: your changing feelings, anger at authority, and fears and hopes. Look at your adolescent’s behavior in the context of those memories to help you keep perspective.
Think about taking a course on good parenting. Parenting is a learned skill. Training can help even experienced parents by giving them new tools for supporting children through adolescence.
Listen more than talk. Young people have spent at least a decade as listeners in most situations. During adolescence, they want and need the chance to share their feelings and ideas and to begin recasting family beliefs, stories, and traditions in light of their changing identity.
If you are ready to seek help for your troubled adolscent, let the professionals of Lava Heights Academy help you. Fore more information regarding the help options that are available to you, consider calling now at 866-452-8772.
