Schools for Behavioral Problems

It’s no secret that the teen years can be a rollercoaster of emotions for both parents and teens. Many parents can work through the struggles and behavioral problems that their teens express. However, many parents have to consider alternative options to help their teens. How can you determine whether your teen is struggling with typical teen angst or whether this is much more serious? Knowing the difference is an essential part of getting him the correct type of treatment to get back on a healthy track.

What is considered to be normal behavior in teens?

It isn’t always easy to deal with teen behavior. No matter how excellent the communication between you and your children is, you are sure to run into barriers when parenting teens. Teens are known for exhibiting behavioral issues. Learning what is considered normal and what should be a sign that professional intervention is needed is an important step. Some of what is deemed normal behavior for teens include the following.

• Neglecting his schoolwork or forgetting to finish his homework and other assignments.
• Being argumentative over almost anything he disagrees with.
• Being detached from the rest of the family and wanting to spend more time alone.
• Emotional fluctuations and being moody.

How can you tell whether what your teen is displaying is typical teen behavior or something more serious going on?

Challenges and behavioral problems in teens

When teen behaviors worsen, it can often be a gradual process that you don’t recognize until things reach a tipping point. Some of these behaviors could include the following. 

• Withdrawing from family, friends, and things he once enjoyed participating in.
•  Increasing reliance on electronic devices and social media.
• Signs of alcohol use and abuse.
• Anger, outbursts, and even aggressive behavior.
•  Lies, deception and similar behavior hide what they have been up to or participating in.
• Drastic appearance changes. 
• Sexual activity, often taking a risky approach to it.

It’s essential to keep in mind that behaviors can differ between teen boys and teen girls. There can also be behavioral differences based on whether your teen struggles with a mental health concern such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or ODD.

When is the right time to get help?

Parents can find themselves hesitating to reach for outside help with their struggling teens. The reasons are often personal, but for the most part, it relates to not wanting others to interfere in the dynamics of their family. When we feel that our family is in crisis, it can feel almost like we need to circle the wagons. Just when should parents of troubled teens reach out for help?

• If life at home has become almost unbearable for everyone in the family.
• Perhaps aggressive behavior has become something you now deal with.
• Your teen is staying out past curfew repeatedly or perhaps running away for days at a time.
• Having trouble with law enforcement for various reasons that could include theft, property damage, and drug use.

We each have different levels and are unwilling to handle our teens' behaviors. The right time to get help is when you feel you’ve taken steps and the therapies you’ve pursued aren’t working to adjust your teen’s behavior. The sooner you reach out for help, the sooner your teen will be able to get back onto the behavioral and mental wellness track. There are several options for helping teens who are struggling with behavioral problems. Outpatient therapy can help many struggling teens, but some teens are better served with another choice in some cases. Boarding schools that can meet the individual teen's needs in crisis are a solid option to consider. At a therapeutic boarding school, teens will diagnose the underlying concerns that may be responsible for behavior. They will also get a treatment plan that addresses their needs while focusing on academics. Teens will benefit from individual therapy, group therapy, and more. A fresh start at a school that focuses on addressing behavioral problems might be the right solution for your teen.