Sadly today we hear of so many teenagers who are in trouble. It might be for breaking the law, being addicted to drugs or alcohol, facing social problems such as obesity or bulimia, depression or simply defying parents and/or teachers. There are two people in need in this situation. Obviously the teen needs appropriate help but so too do his or her worried parents.
The worried parents can greatly assist their troubled son or daughter by placing them in a facility specifically designed for troubled teens. And the word 'appropriate' was used before and is highly relevant. The help given to the teen must be appropriate to the needs of the child.
There are several types of treatment centers available including boot camps, wilderness camps, military schools, specialist treatment centers and boarding schools. Each has its own characteristics and much to offer a particular type of troubled teen. This is where the parent needs to make a decision or two.
Have your child assessed by a professional and even a specialist if necessary, find out what exactly is wrong i.e. what needs to be treated and then find the appropriate place or facility which caters specifically for your child.
Here is a brief rundown on what you can expect at a typical facility under these headings.
A boot camp is the opposite of a summer camp in that it is no holiday. Boot camps are mainly for teens that are rebellious. The camp may last only a few weeks or months, is run on a military style format and gives the teen little time to get into trouble. Lots of tough and challenging physical work with the aim of giving each resident a positive attitude to life.
A wilderness camp is set in the great outdoors and makes use of this environment. A big feature is outdoor education where residents are required to look after themselves in pitching tents, making a fire and cooking. Therapy is part of the program and aim to help teens who are depressed, low in self-confidence or lack a desire to do well at school or almost in everything. Camps last a few weeks.
Military schools no longer cater for wild teenage boys. In fact there are strict rules one of which is to not give entry to any teen unwilling to attend. If parents want their son or daughter to excel academically or in sport or both, boarding in a military school may well be the answer. It is also an excellent preparation for a career in the military.
Boarding schools offer a fine academic program but include therapy sessions to help teens lose their rebellious nature. Being residential means the teens are under constant care and not mixing with others who may have led them astray.
Residential treatment centers offer a 24/7 care and treatment situation and are designed for serious teen problems like drug addiction and self-harm. These centers charge accordingly as there will be significant one on one staff and student relationships.
Parents can spend time examining the various alternatives or seek help from groups like Parent Help. The key of course is to find the best center for the needs of your troubled teen.
For parents that needs advice and information on how to help their troubled teens check out Help for Troubled Teens. Or fill out this Troubled Teen Questionnaire to know whether your teen needs help or not.
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