The transition from the teenage years to adulthood may be challenging for both the parent and the teen. The parent should try to seek help at the onset of teenage behavior problems to help them cope. At the early stages, the parents can receive guidance, counseling, and professional advice to avoid behavioral problems associated with the changes that are happening within their teen. Some of the behavioral struggles you should watch out for include but are not limited to:
- Violence
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Anger and irritability
- Eating disorders
While some teen behaviors are typical, a parent should watch out for troubled teen behavior and seek help. Below is a simple guide to follow.
Guidelines to help a teen with behavioral struggles
1. Assessment
Through assessment of the behavioral struggles your child is going through, you can identify the cause. That way, the treatment option will be easy to determine. Several factors determine teen behavior. Genetics, mental conditions, and physical issues affect your teen behavior. Bullying at school, marital problems at home, and trauma also affect teen behavior. Reviewing your teen peers, history of alcohol and drug abuse, and difficulties in learning can help you identify the cause of the behavioral changes in your teen. With professional help, you can help the teen mitigate such factors and live a fulfilling life.
2. Seek professional help for the teen
Seeking therapy for your teen will depend on the assessment results will help them cope better. Teens may not be willing to talk freely about their struggles and challenges with their parents but may easily open up to a counselor. You should identify a professional therapy facility for counseling. Opt for one that uses a holistic approach and one with trained and experienced therapists. Through such therapy sessions, a teen will learn to control anger, develop problem-solving skills and social skills. The skills they learn from such therapy will help them throughout their lives.
3. Add balance to their lives.
Lack of balance in teen life may contribute to behavioral changes. You may add more balance to their lives by creating a routine and setting boundaries. The parent should encourage them to eat healthily and exercise regularly. Teens should enjoy plenty of sleep and rest to improve their mood. Reducing screen time is the best way to create more time for rest.
4. Opt for family therapy and enhance your parenting skills
Behavioral struggles on a teen can take their toll on other family members. Without family therapy, confrontations, arguments, and resentment will be constant in the family. Seeking professional help will ensure that there is a high level of understanding among all family members. They also learn how to support each other and to live harmoniously. Enrolling in parenting coach classes can also help the parent cope with the pressure of dealing with troubled teen behavior.
Teen behavioral struggles will not last forever. As a parent, you should remind your teen that such challenges will pass, and they will live a better and more fulfilling life. Taking every teen struggle positively, encouraging your teen, and seeking professional help will ensure that the teen transitions into a well-balanced adult.
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