Anyone who has ever had a teenager knows that it can be very challenging sometimes, to say the least. With that in mind, let’s say for example your teen has a history of exhibiting really questionable behavior, such as bad decision making with no real concept of the consequences, or just doesn’t care about consequences as one example. And let’s say that this continues no matter what you do or say. What’s next? What resources are available to help? I have seen the struggles that some of my friends have had with their kids, and the fear that they would end up in jail without some kind of intervention.I would like to preface this article by saying that many kids from good homes with good parents struggle to the point of needing some help, and not all kids that are in crisis mode come from bad homes without proper parental guidance .
One of the best resources that I have seen where the kids really do turn their lives around is Teen Challenge USA. The first thing that caught my attention while researching this organization was their mission statement, which is as follows: “To provide youth, adults and families with an effective and comprehensive Christian faith-based solution to life-controlling drug and alcohol problems in order to become productive members of society. By applying biblical principles, Teen Challenge endeavors to help people become mentally-sound, emotionally-balanced, socially-adjusted, physically-well, and spiritually-alive.â€
Now we all know that anyone can write anything they want in order to sell a program, especially to parents who are desperate to help their kids. I have seen for myself the end result of this program, and it worked for this particular individual. What had a very powerful impact on me was the effort that was made to ensure success long term for both the child and the family. Accountability is a major factor with TC, and I really believe that personal responsibility can not be emphasized enough.
Teen Challenge’s programs encourage students to deal with everyday life issues. Students get up early and have a busy schedule of educational classes, work projects, chapel services, recreational activities and mealtimes. These types of programs keep them focused so that they can begin to change destructive behavior patterns and focus on positive changes in their lives, and yes, prayer is a big part of recovery. There are so many factors to consider when it comes to helping teens and adults, but the one common denominator that can always be counted on is looking to God for help. The program at TC helps spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially and educationally.
There are 200 residential Teen Challenge centers across the USA that are currently providing care for people of all ages, so you can see that there is definitely a need for intensive help when it comes to life-controlling problems. Like anything else, especially when it comes to your kids, or any health issues, do the research and find out for yourself. I would recommend this program to anyone. For more in information about this particular organization please go here.
My daughter is twelve going on twenty! She is the last out of three. The older ones, ages 24 & 19, say that she got away with a lot of the things that they could not. I don’t believe so, I jus think I pick my battles differently. But I’ve noticed of things in her character that I would rather she didn’t have. First, I sat her down an pointed out the behaviors that were not so nice. When for the second time she displayed another less desire able behavior I punished her. But ultimately her behavior had not changed for the better. Now IF I notice anything in her behavior she tries to shift the action on to anther person stating that they are mean to her an don’t like her…. I am unsure of how to handle her as she is very different from my first two witch is. Boy and a girl. so I guess I am jus wondering if anyone has any advice that they could give.