Often, troubled teens are misunderstood and need guidance to get back on track. Parents and loved ones can provide this guidance by establishing rules and limits, setting positive examples, and being supportive. It’s also important to find professional help when necessary.
- Communicate with them.
One of the most important things you can do for a troubled teen is to communicate with them. Talk to them about their feelings, their problems, and what they’re going through. Let them know that you care and want to help. It is important to know that you also have to be careful about how you communicate. Yelling, shaming, and blaming will only make things worse. Always try to be supportive and understanding.
- Establish rules and limits.
It’s important to set boundaries for troubled teens. This will help them feel safe and secure, and it will also help them learn how to behave in a healthy way. Establish rules and limits that are reasonable and achievable, and be sure to enforce them consistently. Different rules like curfews and chores may work for different teens, so you’ll need to figure out what works best for your child and your family setup.
- Be a positive role model.
One of the best things you can do for a troubled teen is to be a positive role model. Show them how to behave in a respectful and responsible way. Be honest and trustworthy, and set a good example for them to follow. This applies to how you treat the people around you both at home and in public. If you want your teenager to be respectful, then you need to show them what that looks like.
- Get professional help when necessary.
There may come a time when professional help is necessary for a troubled teen. If your teen is engaging in self-destructive or dangerous behavior, or if they are struggling with mental health issues, it’s important to seek professional help. There are many qualified professionals who can help troubled teens overcome their problems and get back on track.
- Help them explore healthy hobbies and interests.
One way to help a troubled teen is to encourage them to explore healthy hobbies and interests. This can provide an outlet for their energy and help them connect with positive role models. Some good options include sports, music, art, and nature. You can take them on a saltwater fishing trip, enroll them in a pottery class (if they are interested in that artform), and many others. Encourage your teen to try out different activities and find something they love. This can be a major step on the road to recovery.
- Show them love and support.
Troubled teens need love and support more than anything else. They may not always be receptive to it, but it’s important to keep trying. Show them that you care about them and want to help them. Let them know that you are there for them, no matter what. Even if they are not asking for help but they are struggling to fit into their social groups, you should let them know that they can come to you if they need anything. And most importantly, don’t give up on them. They need you more than you know.
- Spend some quality time with them every week.
Make it a priority to spend some quality time with your troubled teen every week. This can be something as simple as going for a walk, watching a movie, or playing a game together. It’s important to connect with them on a personal level and let them know that you still care about them. Time spent together can help strengthen the bond between you and your teen.
- Stay patient and positive.
It’s important to stay patient and positive when helping a troubled teen. This can be a difficult process, and there will likely be setbacks along the way. But if you remain positive and supportive, you can help your teenager get back on track. Be prepared for bumps in the road, but don’t lose faith.
- Get the rest you need.
It’s important to take care of yourself when helping a troubled teen. This can be a demanding process, and you need to be in top form to help your child. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet. Take some time for yourself, so you can recharge and stay focused on the task at hand.
If you have a troubled teen, there are things you can do to help them get back on track. Communicate with them, establish rules and limits, be a positive role model, and get professional help when necessary. You can also encourage them to explore healthy hobbies and interests, show them love and support, and spend quality time with them every week. Stay patient and positive, and don’t give up on your teen. They need you more than you know.