It's Not My Kid: It's the Kids They are Hanging With

Not your teen, right? WRONG!

Really?

Have you stopped to consider your child (teenager) has made a choice to hang out with that peer group?  They have free will not to hang out with that negative choice of friends--however that is where they believe they fit in.

Why?

Low self-esteem?  Belief that it is a cool group?  Desire to be part of a group even if it is a less than desirable one? 

I speak to parents on a weekly basis and often hear how parents can make excuses for their teen.  Whether it is a friend's fault--the school's fault--the fault of an ex-spouse--you name it, rather than putting the blame on the person that is making the bad choices, some parents have a difficult time admitting their once good child is now making such negative decisions.

Don't be a parent in denial; you are only hurting your child.  The sooner you recognize your teen needs help the sooner you can get on the path to recovery and healing in your home.

Do you feel like you are hostage in your home to your teen's behavior?  At any moment  your teen could explode in a rage over something that didn't go their way? 

You shouldn't have to live that way.  In life we don't always get what we want all the time - actually most of the time.  Teens need to learn early that respecting authority, especially their parents, is a priority.  If you are giving your teen their boundaries and they are defying them you are heading down a road of trouble.  Start with consequences and don't waiver.  Never threaten what you can't follow through with.

If you feel you have exhausted all your local resources and including therapy, visit www.helpyourteens.com and consider the next step.  It may prove beneficial.  It is important to be proactive and don't forget, academics are important too.  Just because your defiant child is out-of-control doesn't mean they are going to skip out on school!

Be an educated parent, you will have safer teens!