Is YOUR Teen out of control?

Is your teen out of control?

During past articles we have discussed problems that parents may have with their teens. One of the hardest "jobs" in the world is to be a parent - it is also one of the most under-paid yet rewarding ones that there is.

The Watchful Eye Foundation does not claim to have all of the answers - however what we do know we are willing to pass onto you what we do know so that you can raise your child to be successful in being a respectable person that you will be extremely proud of.

Raising a child to be successful and respectable does not necessarily mean raising a Harvard law school graduate. It means basically to have a child who regardless if they flip hamburgers at the local McDonald's or wash dishes at the Taquiera that child is honest and respectful as well as kind.

Alot of times something major will occur in a child's life such as running away or getting into trouble with the law and 98% of the time the parents will say - " I don't know what happened"....

This "trouble" Mom and Dad did not suddenly just "happen". Odds are that it has been like a car gaining in speed as it travels down a hill. You might not barely notice it until one day "Bam!" your teens life is full speed ahead and headed for the danger zone.

The key is to become your child's hero and jump in the drivers seat and hit the brakes. It wont be easy going back up that hill, but it can be done. If you really try and want to.

Lets start with a few questions that you can answer privately and honestly....

Is your child an angry child?
Does your child "cop an attitude" when he or she doesnt get their way?
Does your child seem secretive?
How's school? Is your child in trouble at school often?
Is your child skipping school or getting there late alot?
Grades at school - have they gone down to the point where they are failing?

Has your teen had issues with running away?

Do you know if your child is sexually active?

Saying I hate you and/or cussing and other abusive language to you or other family members?

Is your child frequently out late, without your permission?

Does your child have friends who are also making poor decisions?
Does your child associate with troublemakers or have secretive peers?
Has your child started to hang around with older teens or adults?
Is your child frequenting internet chat rooms?

Does your child have new friends and do you know who they are?
Is your child defiant?
Has your child been involved in fights and disturbances in the community or at school?

What kind of music is your child listening to? The words in the music - do they talk about sex, killing and other acts of violence?

Does your child deliberately self-injure, or cut markings into his or her skin?
Has your child withdrawn from family activities and family involvement?
Have there been abrupt changes in your child's personality and behavior?
Have your child's eating habits changed?

Does your child break curfew rules or laws?
Do you suspect your child of using drugs or alcohol?
Has your child stolen money from you?

Does your child have unexplained cash, new clothes, or material items?
Has your child destroyed property in your home?
Has there been a change in your child's clothing style?
Has your child been violent at home?

Does your child listen to music with violent, sadistic, degrading, or gangster-influenced lyrics?
Have you ever needed to call the police for help with your child?
How is your child's behavior affecting your work?
How is your child's behavior affecting your marriage, home and family?
ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE WAY THINGS ARE?

Take a few minutes to answer these questions - answer them honestly. This isnt a test. This is your child's life. Your ultimate responsibility. People say to me all the time that they just don't understand why their teen talks to them the way they do - saying things such as "shut up or your'e stupid" .....

It's because you let them. Put your foot down and say what you mean and MEAN what you say.

In other words stick to what you say. If your teen thinks that you will simply change your mind in a few hours or so - they will learn that you and your rules are basically pretty flexible.

One day - believe it or not, your teen will appreciate what you have taught them.

I know that often it is necessary for teens and parents both to go to counseling. In the South Sioux City, Nebraska school system for instance there is funding for counseling for those that cannot afford it.

If you are in that school district go to the office or the school counselors and ask for the Cardinal Connections assistance to pay for your childs professional counseling sessions.

This is an excellent opportunity for parents - especially those that cannot afford counseling. Also you can check out Catholic Charities or other non profits that may help with counseling fees. Please do NOT be embarrassed about asking for help. When it comes to your child pride should never get in the way of their mental or physical health.

The other program that this particular school system offers is called Love and Logic. I have heard very good reports on these classes. Check at your own school and ask what if any assistance they can help with.

If you would like to hear about other issues with teens please feel free to email me. watchfuleyefoundation1@yahoo.com.

Take care and stay safe!