Considering a troubled teen boot camp for your child? You may want to reconsider. It could do more harm than good. According to Lilienfeld et al, “Controlled studies show that boot camp and “Scared Straight” interventions are ineffective, and even potentially harmful for delinquents.” Parents often send their teens to a boot camp when they […]
Taking Care of Teenage Boys That May Be Killed By Their Curiosity
The old adage “curiosity killed the cat,” isn’t an exaggeration; and unfortunately, it doesn’t just apply to cats. When teenage boys act on curiosity that leads them into dangerous and/or illegal activities, it’s a very scary thing for parents to face. But these “curious” boys cannot be left to their own devices–they need extra care […]
Family Activities for Bonding With Troubled Teens
When you have a troubled teen, bonding with them parent-to-child and as a family is even more important than ever for re-establishing family bonds. And don’t forget the role that grandparents can play! Family Therapy Families with a troubled teen understand that the troubled teen doesn’t just negatively affect himself–his behavior affects the whole family. […]
Encouraging Your Teen’s Positive Interests
When our kids are born, it’s easy to assume that they will like all the same things we like and do all the things we’d love for them to do. But we quickly learn that they are their own selves–complete with their own set of likes and dislikes. Sometimes our kids do enjoy some of […]
Teaching Your Teen That Struggle Can Be a Launch Pad for Success
The wise poet Maya Angelou once said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” As adults, we know how true a […]
How A Boot Camp Strategy Isn’t the Best Way to “Straighten Out” Your Aggressive Teen
For a while it was the latest fad. Unruly teens were sent to a boot camp in order to “straighten them out.” Some of those boot camps are still in existence today. In fact, many exist in several locations within the United States. In recent years, however, professionals have come to think poorly of the […]
Modern Methods Used to Re-establish Communication With a Boy Fresh Out of a Program
You and your teen: you are two different people, with two different perspectives, plus the added problem of your teen’s stay in a residential treatment program. So when he gets out, how in the world do you re-establish communication with him, in a way that is hopefully better than it was before? Thankfully, there are […]
Activities For Youth That Promote Leadership Qualities
It can be difficult to raise children to become leaders. It seems as though many children are content to be followers and not leaders. So it is up to you as the parent to help your child develop their leadership abilities. Along with setting a good example and encouraging leadership qualities, there are activities which […]
When The Nice Girls Have To Fight Off The “Mean Girls” In Today’s School System
Being a nice girl isn’t always easy; sometimes, you have to deal with a group of mean girls in school, which can be one of the most difficult things to do. When you’re the parent of a girl who is getting bullied by other girls, it can be hard to help her cope, but here […]
Gift Giving During The Holidays – How Much Is Too Much?
There are basic rules to follow when it comes to giving baby shower gifts, wedding presents, and other structured events. But there seem to be no rules around holiday gift giving, especially when it comes to children. Should parents lavish gifts on their children and make the holidays memorable? Or is it better to give […]
