Parenting Bad Teen Behavior
Parenting a troubled teen is never easy. It can be even more difficult if the teen is violent, depressed or engaged in negative behavior that is affecting everyone around them. It can be difficult to determine if a teen’s behavior is normal teenage behavior or behaving negatively due to mental illness, drugs, or behavior problems. Teen behavior changes drastically around the age of puberty. Teens naturally search for independence and may separate themselves from family. Teens also become defensive about their isolated behavior and balk at typical family functions. This is normal teenage behavior. How can parents recognize when their teen’s behavior is not normal?
There are several signs that teen behavior is not normal. Different behaviors indicate different struggles that a teen may be experiencing. Some will have mental illnesses, and some will be struggling with drugs and alcohol. Parents need to look at the nature, severity and duration of certain behaviors to determine if they are normal for their teen or a sign of something deeper. Parents should look at a decrease in grades or school involvement, big changes in energy levels, and other physical symptoms like headaches. Teens who experience hopelessness, sadness, or anxiety may be experiences a serious mental illness that needs medical attention.
There are signs that teen behavior is not due to a mental health issue, but to being troubled. A trouble teen shows behavior problems beyond the typical teenage issues. They will practice at-risk behaviors like violence, drug and alcohol use, sex, or criminal activities. Teen behavior can be influenced by friends and social media. Some teens may struggle with their anger and act out violently. Parents can be afraid to confront their teens behavior in fear of being physically injured.
Residential Treatment Centers
There is help available for parents and their teenager. Residential treatment centers are inpatient centers that can provide therapy for teenager who experience behavioral issues, mental illness, and substance abuse. Residential treatment centers provide nurturing environments where teens can grow and learn to cope with their problems. It helps remove the teen from a toxic environment, so they can focus on healing.
Thankfully, residential treatment centers help teens in several ways. First, they experience individualized and group therapy. Teens address their behavior and the consequences of their behavior. They also address any trauma they may be experiencing. Young adults are given structure to create predictability, so people can focus on getting healthy and not focus on what they don’t know is coming. Residential treatment programs try to give all young adults the skills to maintain their recovery.
Residential treatment programs help troubled teens address physical, psychological and spiritual needs while receiving the support they need from trusted adults. Teens experience a supportive community where they can learn skills and become empowered through their treatment.
To learn more about residential treatment programs, click here.
