Raising a teenager is one of the most complicated things parents have to go through. This is the age wherein they are no longer a child, but they are not yet adults. During this stage, behavioral issues and mental health problems are common among teenagers, so interventions from parents or guardians are necessary.
There are different factors why teenagers are prone to being in trouble. Their curiosity may be key while most often, it is caused by peer pressure. If the teenager shows signs of being troubled like self-harming, having vices, alcohol and drug addiction, pre-marital sex, engaging in some criminal acts, etc. guidance is needed.
Troubled teens need to be corrected to ensure that they are already on the right path when they reach adulthood. There are different ways on how you can help troubled teens. Lots of patience and understanding are needed to deal with them, so it would be easier for them to open up. Here are five practical ways on how to save troubled teens.
1. Awareness About Their Concerns
Before you can help troubled teens, awareness about what they’re going through is the number 1 thing to consider. Since they are going through the puberty stage, they have many issues within themselves and the environment.
The most common thing is their body image. Physical attractiveness impacts teens’ well-being. It leads to self-doubts, and those imperfections that they think may affect their confidence that makes it hard for self-acceptance.
Communicate with them regularly, asking how they’re doing in school, or it would also help if you’ll encourage them to join extra-curricular activities related to their passion, such as dancing, singing lessons, or into sports.
This will not only distract them away from vices and addiction, but it will boost self-development. They can also meet friends within the circle of their interests.
2. Encouragement
It is usual for teenagers to be attention seekers. They have this urge for recognition. To make them feel your presence, make sure to acknowledge their achievements no matter how small it is. By simple ways of acknowledging their efforts in school, you are motivating them to excel further.
It is also important to support their passion. This is the stage where they are starting to discover what they want to do in life. When teenagers feel that they are neglected, there’s a tendency that they’ll seek attention that may lead them to do worst actions.
3. Think About Your Parenting Style
During this stage of your child’s life, how you deal with them makes a difference. Reflect on what kind of a parent you are. Are you too strict or lenient? Do you feel more relaxed or overprotective?
During the teenage years, it is essential to let your child learn things in life on their own with your guidance. Make sure to explain to them the consequences that may happen with their actions.
Keep in mind that your actions as a parent may significantly impact your teen’s behavior. Being authoritative may be applicable depending on the situation, but there’s a higher chance that they’ll be more open if you treat them as your friend. Make them feel that your presence is significant to their lives so they won’t pull away from you.
4. Consult A Therapist, Doctor, Or Any Mental Health Professional
Some teenagers may experience a teenage crisis with all the abrupt changes that happen in their lives. Depression is a common manifestation. If your teen experiences signs of depression, it is ideal to seek professional help.
Mental health problems are a serious matter; that is why it’s important to be attentive. Having low self-esteem is one of the root causes of teens being in trouble. Professional help will help in correcting these issues.
5. Help Them Nourish The Relationship With Their Peers
Bullying is a common issue that teenagers engage in. Your teen can either be the bully or the one who is being bullied. Parents must take action to secure the teenager who experiences bullying and the ones who bully.
When they are being bullied in school, they may not tell you about it, that is why it is your responsibility to know how they are going to school.
Violence is the root cause of bullying. When your teen is exposed to violence, there are higher chances that they’ll become a bully or they’ll submit to bullies.
As much as possible, regulate their use of social media because this is where they can see and learn violent things. Divert their attention to worthwhile activities that you can do as a family.
Conclusion
As a parent, it is your responsibility to guide troubled teens. As the cliche states, the “youth is the hope of our nation.” Don’t let them go in the wrong way. Parental guidance will help a lot in molding the teens towards maturity.
