Parenting Advice

In todays day and age, there are so many different circumstances affecting our daily lives. Gone are the days when a child would come in from school and respectfully sit down at the kitchen table with a relaxed mother and accomplish that evenings homework. Now we have children being raised by single mothers, single fathers, grandparents, neighbors, foster parents, aunts, uncles, or no one at all. These children live in virtual rooms and attend virtual parties all via the internet, cell phones, i-pods, MP3 players, etc. Two parent households are the exception rather than the rule. Even if there are two parents in the home, the chances that they are both working is significant. This leads to children raising themselves with little to no involvement from the parents. Sometimes this can’t be helped, but sometimes it can.

Statistically, this leads to the proverbial troubled teen who has little chance of becoming a happy, well-adjusted adult with any parenting skills themselves. The adults in their lives wonder abput parenting a troubled teen. Most teens who are classified as troubled are suffering from more complex problems than those that plague the normal teenager in today’s society. Teenagers today suffer from peer pressure, angst over the push to have sex, the outcome of sexual relations, drug use, and other related issues. However, there can also be underlying and overlaying problems. Some of which can be abusive relationships at home or school, drug abuse problems, or even violent neighborhoods. They could also be dealing with physical and mental issues such as, ADD, ADHD, juvenile diabetes, and others. They may have parents or other family members that are also suffering.

When parenting a troubled teen, parents need to understand that the way to deal with teenagers that are having difficulties is to simply pay attention and be available for them to talk to and confide in. It seems so easy as our children grow up to simply push them away and take care of the more pressing issues at hand. However, as the troubles manifest themselves into behavior and other problems, we, as parents, want to place blame in other areas or question what happened. Some of the warning signs that parents need to be aware of are:

1. dropping grades

2. mood swings

3. loss in interest in previous activities

4. keeping secrets and lying

5. changing their friend group

6. spending more time alone and/or sleeping.

These are signs that a child may need help. Sometimes this may involve a professional. When parenting a troubled teen, parents should not be ashamed of the need for help with their child. Sometimes seeking help is the most honest way to show their child that they love them. The main thing that parents can do to guide their children, at any age, is to pay attention to them. Pay attention to their mannerisms, their friends, their attitudes, and the way they deal with everyday stressors. Know your child and this will be the key when parenting a troubled teen. By noticing that there is a problem, you are then in a more clear place to handle the situation.