Teen Drinking – Teen Drug Use – Parent Help
by Sue Scheff on Aug 22, 2010
Teen Drug Use and Teen Drinking also known as Substance Abuse amongst teens and even children.
With today’s society, kids have access to many different substances that can be addictive and damaging. If you suspect your child is using drugs or drinking alcohol, please seek help for them as soon as possible. Drug testing is helpful, but not always accurate. Teen Drug use and Teen Drinking may escalate to addiction.
Parent’s Universal Resource Experts get calls constantly, that a child is only smoking pot. Unfortunately in most cases, marijuana can lead to more severe drugs, and marijuana is considered an illegal drug. Smoking marijuana is damaging to the child’s body, brain and behavior. Even though marijuana is not considered a narcotic, most teens are very hooked on it. Many teens that are on prescribed medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera, Concerta, Zoloft, Prozac etc. are more at risk when mixing these medications with street drugs. It is critical you speak with your child about this and learn all the side effects. Educating your child on the potential harm may help them to understand the dangers involved in mixing prescription drugs with street drugs. Awareness is the first step to understanding.
Alcohol is not any different with today’s teens. Like adults, some teens use the substances to escape their problems; however they don’t realize that it is not an escape but rather a deep dark hole. Some teens use substances to “fit in” with the rest of their peers – teen peer pressure. This is when a child really needs to know that they don’t need to “fit in” if it means hurting themselves. Using drug and alcohol is harming them. Especially if a teen is taking prescribed medication (refer to the above paragraph) teen drinking can be harmful. The combination can bring out the worse in a person. Communicating with your teen, as difficult as it can be, is one of the best tools we have. Even if you think they are not listening, we hope eventually they will hear you.
If your teen is experimenting with this, please step in and get proper help through local resources. If it has extended into an addiction, it is probably time for a Residential Placement. If you feel your child is only experimenting, it is wise to start precautions early. An informed parent is an educated parent. This can be your life jacket when and if you need the proper intervention. Always be prepared, it can save you from rash decisions later.
Drugs and Alcoholic usage is definitely a sign that your child needs help. Teen Drug Addiction and Teen Drinking is a serious problem in today’s society; if you suspect your child is using substances, especially if they are on prescribed medications, start seeking local help. If the local resources become exhausted, and you are still experiencing difficulties, it may be time for the next step; Therapeutic Boarding School or Residential Treatment Center.
If you feel your teen is in need of further Boarding School, Residential Therapy or Program Options, please complete our Information Request Form.
Visit www.helpyourteens.com for more information.
Tags: Defiant Teens, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Problem Teens, Rebellious Teens, Teen Drinking, Teen Drug Use, Teen Help, Troubled Teens
Parenting Teens: Learn About UPROAR – Dangers of Huffing AC Refrigerant
by Sue Scheff on Aug 06, 2010
Inhalants. They have been in the news and on the teen scene for years now; as a matter of fact, it was reported that there has been a 158% increase in the use of huffing refrigerant in teenagers.
Most parents will continue to say, ‘not my teen‘, however how do you really know it isn’t your teen?
Just ask Mona Casey in Coral Springs, she lost her son 15 year-old Charles Gray just before his 16th birthday, when he inhaled refrigerant. Especially in Florida, air conditioning refrigerant is prevalent, it is also deadly. Watch video to see how dangerous it can be.
Throughout her grief, Mona Casey founded a group, United Parents to Restrict Open Access to Refrigerant, (UPROAR). Huffing chemicals such as refrigerant can result in death on the first use. This is a risk we cannot afford to take with our children. One of the goals of UPROAR is to propose solutions to lawmakers and governing bodies to address this problem.
What is inhalant use?
Inhalant use refers to the intentional breathing of gas or vapors with the purpose of reaching a high. Inhalants are legal, everyday products which have a useful purpose, but can be misused. You’re probably familiar with many of these substances — paint, glue and others. But you probably don’t know that there are more than 1,000 products that are very dangerous when inhaled — things like typewriter correction fluid, air-conditioning refrigerant, felt tip markers, spray paint, air freshener, butane and even cooking spray. See Products Abused as Inhalants for more details.
It is time parents stop being ignorant to the fact teens and tweens don’t understand the dangers of huffing. Kids as young as 11 years-old are huffing and dying. Watch video below.
Talk to your kids today! School will be opening, peer pressure will be starting, school hallways are full of kids trying to fit in and be cool. Will they take it a step further fit in with a sniff?
Sources: Just News, UPROAR, Inhalants.org
Be an educated parent, you can save a life!
Tags: At Risk Teens, Huffing, Inhalants, parenting advice, Sniffing, Sue Scheff, Teen Health, Teen Help, Teen Issues, Troubled Teens, UPROAR
Sue Scheff: Parent Excuses for Teen Bad Behavior – Be Proactive, Not in Denial
by Sue Scheff on Jul 27, 2010
No one likes to admit they are struggling with their teenager. No one wants others to know what is really going on behind closed doors. No parent wants to end up in a juvenile court room, not to mention visiting their teen in jail. Face it, parenting isn’t easy but there are many things we cannot control as parents.
Most parents didn’t raise our kids to use drugs. Parents don’t tell their children to join the local gang (and I am not speaking of a sports club). Parents don’t tell their kids to treat them like dirt. Defiance and belligerence are not behaviors parents encourage.
So who is to blame? Where are today’s teens picking up this blatant disrespect for authority, dropping out school, using drugs and running away?
There can be many factors, however every family is unique with their issues. Whether it is a divorce, a death in the family, parents working several jobs and not having time for their kids, the causes could be almost anything.
At the end of the day, parents have to stop making excuses and get help! Their teens negative behavior is a cry for help. Whether you start with local therapy, which many will not attend and if they do, most won’t participate, or you need to take a major step of residential therapy, you need to stop making excuses and get your teen help.
This is not about you – and what your neighbors, friends or family will think – this is about saving your teen’s future, if not life.
Excuses that are commonly used:
- He/she is so smart, high IQ – it will get better. (Yes, they are smart, how else could they make these manipulative decisions?)
- It is the friends he/she is hanging with. Not my teen. (This is most common). So many parents make the mistake of blaming the kids their teen is hanging with, in reality, your teen is making that choice to hang with them.
- He/she used to love a certain activity, but recently dropped out – well, he was caught with pot, but it was his friends. He didn’t know it was there. (Really?)
- He/she only tried it once. (Seriously, who are you kidding?)
- He/she ran away for the weekend, but they did text me? (O-kay)
- You don’t understand – he/she can get a full scholarship but he/she doesn’t care anymore!
All of this doesn’t happen over night, although you would like to believe that. These are all red flags that you need to get your teen help.
In South Florida there are several places you can get help. Don’t be a parent in denial – be proactive, don’t allow your teen to fail because of your pride!
Visit Parents’ Universal Resource Experts for more information.
Tags: At Risk Teens, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Teen Help, Teen Issues, Troubled Teens, Wits End
Sue Scheff: Wilderness Programs, Boot Camps or Jail – Are they an answer to Out-of-Conrol Teens? NO!
by Sue Scheff on Jul 21, 2010
You have a teen that is driving you crazy. You have a teen that is experimenting, if not using drugs on a regular basis. You have teen that has changed peer groups – and not for the better. You have a teen that has disengaged from the family. You have a teen that is defiant, belligerent and can become violent. You have a teen that doesn’t appreciate all they have and all you have sacrificed for them? You are at your wit’s end!
Is it time to have an intervention? What is best to insure that your teen gets back on a positive road to have that bright future you always wanted for them?
Let’s review some choices to get help:
Wilderness Therapeutic Programs: Short term program, short term results, usually zero academics, extremely expensive and as many teens state they have great experiences, it is usually never enough to make lasting positive changes.
- The concept: Remove the kids from their comforts of home. Get them to reflect on themselves from within.
- Thought: Wouldn’t it be wise to find one program that offers a well-rounded program including removing them from their comforts of home, offering them an education as well as encouraging them through enrichment programs?
Boot Camps: Thankfully many have been closed in the state of Florida. This in and of itself speaks volumes. As parents see it as a way to punish their kids for their negative behavior, using punitive and primitive measures may cause more anger and resentment toward the person that placed them there.
- The concept: Teach your child a lesson, and hope they learn to appreciate and respect you.
- Thought: Again, finding a sound program that offers positive enrichment, academics as well as trained personal to help determine where the negative behavior is stemming from.
Jail: Is this ever a good option? Not really, and although juvenile records are sealed, according to law enforcement, what happens when your teen applies for a job in their 20′s and that record, although it doesn’t state the charges, but is pinged by your teen being finger printed? Did you consider the friends your teen will make in jail?
- The Concept: Show your teen the consequences of breaking the law. Hopefully scaring them straight so they turn around their behavior.
- Thought: Get your teen the right help that instills positive reinforcement, continuing education and work on family conflict with an outside counselor.
Residential Therapy: Finally, a way to address negative behavior in a positive direction. Our teens need consistency in treatment. Starting and finishing with the same therapist, structure and program that builds your teen back up to making the better choices. Some parents are being convinced that using a short term program such as Wilderness Programs will prepare them for a residential program, however if you find the right program from the start, it serves the same purpose as a Wilderness Program (of course saving about $10K-20K at the same time). Choosing a residential therapy program does remove your child from their comforts of their home. It also gives them an opportunity to reflect and get back to basics.
- Concept: It took longer than 6-8 weeks to get to the place your teen is at, it will take at least 6-9 months to get your child back.
- Thought: Take your time and find the best program for you and your family both emotionally and financially. Consider that short term programs are like band-aids – they do peal off fairly quickly.
With Lindsay Lohan at 24 years old going to jail, it will serve to sober her up, however the rehab is what will help her to remain sober. Sadly, this may all be a moot point since at 24 years old, she is considered an adult and can just go through the motions – after all, she is court appointed.
Don’t wait for your teen to be over 18, get them help while you still have the ability and control.
For more information, visit www.helpyourteens.com. In Broward, Dade and Palm Beach County there is also The Children’s Trust that has local resources.
Tags: At Risk Teens, Boot Camps, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Teen Help, Troubled Teens, Wilderness Programs, Wits End
Sue Scheff: Teen Pranks with Serious Consequences
by Sue Scheff on Jul 17, 2010
It is a never ending process, keeping up with today’s teens and the trouble that can surround them. Is it society? Is it parenting? Is it lack of structure or the fact that discipline can potentially land the parent in trouble? We can throw excuses out there a million times a day, but the facts remain, teens are getting in more serious trouble today than generations earlier.
There was a time when collecting and trading bottle caps was exciting and fun among the kids and teens. As society changes, peer pressures shift, technology expands – the fun teens are finding can be considered dangerous, if not deadly.
One of the dangerous teen pranks is Bottle Bombs. This is sadly becoming more common among teens today as websites grow with step by step instructions on how to build these so-called “harmless – yet dangerous” bottle bombs. The fact that teens have the easy accessibility to the ingredients to build these bottle bombs, since many can be household products, is a factor for this growing trend.
Teen mischief is now turning into felonies. Most teens believe these bottle bombs are safe and are using them for pranks and playing jokes on others. They couldn’t be more wrong. The consequences could be long-lasting.
Just when you think you don’t have enough to discuss with your kids, add this to your list. It is imperative they learn about the dangers of bottle bombs are more than harmful, they can destroy your teens future.
Be an educated parent, you will have safer teens.
Watch video to see the consequences of teens that used bottle bombs as a prank. Learn from their mistakes. Read more.
Tags: Bottle Bombs, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Teen Issues, Teen Mischief, Teen Pranks, Troubled Teens
Sue Scheff: Teen Depression – Parent Depression
by Sue Scheff on May 18, 2010
Here is a guest post from Guide to Healthcare Schools. They asked me to share it with my readers, as many parent know, depression can be a serious disorder. Especially in today’s economy and peer pressure that teens face on a daily basis, there may be a time when you need to know more about depression.
The Most Comprehensive List of Depression Resources on the Web
Today, depression is one of the leading disorders facing adults, teens, and children, and while an increasing number of people seek help, an even larger contingency of the population suffer in silence. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has stated that everyone will at some point in their lifetime be affected by depression, either through experiencing it themselves, or through a close friend. Recovering from depression is a long and treacherous rode, often requiring the treatment of underlying causes of depression as opposed to merely a chemical imbalance.
Of course, the first step to recovering from depression is recognizing that you have a problem. The following list of articles and statistics are designed to help you learn more about what depression is, the symptoms of depression, how to seek help, and how to begin to recover.
Statistics on Depression in the United States
The following statistics were gathered by PBS .
• Depression affects 15 million American adults, which is roughly 8% of the U.S. population.
• Bipolar disorder or manic depression affects a staggering 6 million American adults. This is roughly 3% of the population.
• Women are twice as likely to develop depression as men.
• 80% of people who experience depression do not receive any sort of treatment.
• 80-90% of people who experience serious depression are unemployed.
• 90% of people who commit suicide have some sort of diagnosable mental illness.
• Scientists predict that by the year 2020 depression will be the 2 nd most prevalent health problem in the world.
General Information on Depression
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance : DBSA, who’s tagline is “We’ve Been There. We Can Help,” has a fantastic website set up for those struggling with depression. The site has an area where you can get connected with lectures, treatment centers, support groups, and surveys going on in your area, a section for signs and symptoms of depression, recovery steps, and how to help a loved one.
Depression.com : Depression.com has sections on understanding depression, treating depression, how to live with depression day by day, and Web resources. They also have a question and answer section specifically on types of drugs and side effects.
Families for Depression Awareness : Families for Depression Awareness is a nonprofit organization helping families recognize and cope with depressive disorders. They provide education, support, and advocacy. The site features a guide you can buy, an audio podcast series, resources, information on depression and specifically depression amongst teens, and expert and family profiles.
The Health Center : The Health Center is broken up into pages for adults, teens, and children. Topics covered are anxiety, depression, stress, ADD/ADHD, mood swings, social anxiety, and bipolar/manic depression.
Mayo Clinic : The Mayo Clinic provides information on coping and support groups, alternative medicine (such as exercise, etc.), lifestyle and home remedies, risk factors, symptoms, tests and diagnoses that are often run, and treatment and drugs.
National Institute of Mental Health : National Institute of Mental Health has a fantastic resource center on depression. It covers symptoms, signs, what illnesses can coexist with depression, various age groups and their experiences with depression, how to get help, how to help a friend, and where to go for more information.
National Mental Health Information Center : This site has statistics on depression, information on what causes depression, how depression is treated, and what some common mood disorders are. The site also has a list of helpful resources.
The New York Times Health Guide : The New York Times Health Guide has a great section on depression. It has all articles and feature stories written about depression by the N.Y. Times, as well as general information, causes, home care, when to contact a medical professional, what to expect at your office visit, and prevention tips.
Psychology Information Online : Psychology Information Online has a section devoted to depression. It has information on medication, treatment, teen depression, depression in seniors, causes, diagnosis, types of depression, and a frequently asked questions section.
Walkers in Darkness : Walkers in Darkness has an archive of articles written about depression in the past year. If you’re interested in getting some information from journalists and outside sources, this is an excellent source.
Universities on Depression
Stanford School of Medicine : Stanford School of Medicine conducts research on depression. Their website has a great overview of depression that includes information on symptoms for major depression, depression with psychotic features, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder, as well as causes of depression, and treatment of major depression.
University of Buffalo : University of Buffalo has a well-written and brief page on depression. It covers what depression is, the causes, symptoms, how to overcome depression, and how to help a depressed person.
University of Maryland : University of Maryland has a section on its website for “overcoming depression.” It includes general symptoms, a guide for supervisors, and a small list of resources.
University of Michigan : University of Michigan’s Depression Center has interviews with professionals, a section for men suffering from depression, workshops and support groups, a place where you can participate in depression research, a page for friends of depression victims, and depression in the college population. Beyond this, you can find resources and help-lines.
Seniors and Depression:
Care2.com : Care2′s section on healthy and green living has a page devoted to seniors and depression. The page lists warning signs, how to bring up the subject of depression, how to encourage a loved one to visit a doctor, and links to other relevant websites.
Depression in Seniors : This page, published by Psychology Information Online, talks about how depression is a completely normal part of aging. It goes over what depression is, types of clinical depression, a depression symptom checklist, causes of depression, medication, and where you can get help.
FamilyDoctor.org : FamilyDoctor.org has a page entitled, “Depression and Older Adults.” The page has a video giving an overview of depression (including symptoms, causes, and treatment), as well as written information overlaying the same ideas.
Men and Depression
Postpartum Dads : In the case of postpartum depression, new moms are not the only ones who are affected. Dads also must learn to cope with this disease. The site Postpartum Dads provides information for fathers whose wives are dealing with PPD. It has personal recovery stories, how to help new moms, how to deal with rejection, and even stories about PPD and separation.
Mayo Clinic : Mayo Clinic has a whole section dedicated to male depression and understanding the unique issues of this disease. It talks about the issues behind male depression, why male depression often goes undiagnosed, symptoms, and male depression and suicide.
Men and Depression : Men and Depression, published by At Health, covers types of depression, symptoms, co-occurance of depression and other illnesses, causes of depression, medications, what to do if you encounter a depressed individual who may be suicidal, and much more.
WebMD : WebMD has a brief section on Depression in Men. It covers why depression in men is often not recognized, if depression affects sexual desire and performance, what some observable symptoms of depression are in men, and what the consequences are of untreated depression.
Postpartum Depression
The Center for Postpartum Adjustment : While this is actually a site for individual, marital, and group therapy for new parents, The Center for Postpartum Adjustment also provides a plethora of information on postpartum depression, including statistics, myths of motherhood, risk factors, a section for fathers, impact on the couples, key facts, and symptoms.
Google Health Postpartum Depression : Google Health has an informational section on postpartum depression, including symptoms, causes, treatment, tests and diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, complications, and when you should contact a doctor.
HelpGuide.org : Helpguide.org has a section on its site called “Postpartum Depression and the Baby Blues.” The information listed is extensive and well-organized. In the article you can find information on signs and symptoms of PPD, causes and risk factors, how postpartum depression can affect the baby, how to get treatment for PPD, how to cope with postpartum depression, and related links.
Pacific Postpartum Support Society : Pacific Postpartum Support Society has a self-help guide, a list of useful resources, services the organization offers, personal accounts of women’s experiences recovering from PPD and a place where individuals can either donate or get involved.
Postpartum Depression : Postpartum Depression’s site is a great message board for those suffering from PPD. The board has over 65,646 messages posted on its board and an easy-to-use search engine so that you can easily browse through the many topics.
Postpartum Education For Parents : The site Postpartum education for parents has support options, a self-assessment questionnaire, suggested reading, a section for fathers, families, and friends, and related links. There is also a new parent discussion group.
Postpartum Support International : Postpartum Support International is strongly dedicated to helping women who suffer from postpartum depression. They do this both through providing resources, information for family and friends, support centers, and a section where individuals can get involved.
Post Natal Depression Support Association : Post Natal Depression Support Association is an organization located in South Africa whose aim is to provide women and families with information on postpartum depression, and to ensure early detection of the disease so that individuals can quickly recover.
The Online PPD Support Group : The Online PPD Support Group has online forums and discussion groups, a newsletter, events and educational resources, and suggested books and publications. For those who are suffering from PPD, this can be a great place to go and connect with other mothers experience the same problems.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services : Womenshealth.gov has a section entitled “Depression During and After Pregnancy.” It answers questions such as, “What is depression?” “How common is depression during and after pregnancy?” “How do I know if I have depression?” “What causes postpartum depression,” and much more.
Children/Teens and Depression:
About Teenage Depression : Published by Sue Scheff, an experienced parent advocate and founder of Parents Universal Resource Experts, About Teenage Depression covers warning signs, causes, statistics, and how to deal with anxiety.
Adolescent Depression : Medline Plus publishes a page on Adolescent Depression. The page goes over causes, symptoms, exams and tests, treatment, prognosis, possible complications, when to contact a medical professional, and how to prevent teen depression.
Depression in Children and Adolescents : Published by the National Institute of Mental Health, this section of the site focuses on children and adolescents. It has information on treatment, bipolar disorder in adolescents, children and violence, antidepressant medication for children, clinical trials, information about medications, and the risk of suicide.
HelpGuide.org : HelpGuide.org has a section called, “Dealing with Teen Depression.” It includes information on what depression feels like, how to deal with suicidal thoughts, what an individual can do to make themselves feel better, talking to your parents, helping a depressed friend, and related links.
KidsHealth.org : KidsHealth.org focuses exclusively on depression in teens and children. It has information on depression for parents, as well as other related articles. The site can also be translated into Spanish.
The New York Times’ Adolescent Depression : The New York Times has a section published on adolescent depression. It covers recent news, causes, alternative names, symptoms, types of exams and tests used to diagnose, treatment, medication, prognosis, possible complications, prevention, and when to contact a medical professional.
SAMHSA’s National Mental Health Information Center : The United States Department of Health and human Services has a section on major depression in children and adolescents. The page has information on mental health problems, statistics, information on how common depression is, how you can help a young person with depression, what parents can do, and important messages about children’s and adolescents’ mental health.
Teen Depression – Girls : Psychology Today has an article published on how to get closer to your teenage daughter and prevent depression. It gives excellent suggestion son how to effectively communicate with your teenage daughter or sibling.
Understanding and Dealing with Depression : Understanding and Dealing with Depression focuses exclusively on ages 6 to 12 years old. The site is written by Michael G. Conner, who is a clinical and medical psychologist. He talks about symptoms and behaviors associated with depressed children, serious and critical symptoms, common treatment approaches, and he offers advice to parents who may have a depressed child.
WebMD : WebMD’s section on Teen Depression goes over why adolescents get depressed, what the symptoms are of depression, how teen depression is diagnosed and treated, medication, warning signs, and what to do if your teen is suicidal.
Bipolar Disorder
4Parents.gov : 4Parents has a page dedicated to bipolar disorder with characters of manic states and depressed states. The site focuses specifically on kids.
Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens : This page is published by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. It lists manic symptoms, depressive symptoms, and additional information for families.
Bipolar Disorder : Published by Medline Plus, this section on bipolar disorder has overviews, latest news, diagnosis and symptoms to look out for, treatment options, statistics, health check tools, current research, how to cope and disease management, and how it affects children, teenagers, and women.
eMedicinehealth.com : This site has an extensive page of information on bipolar and manic disorder. Browse through therapy options, self-care at home, medical treatment options, exams and tests, when to seek medical care, alternative medicine options, and Web links.
Manic Depression – Highs and Lows : This site talks about what a ‘manic depressive’ state means, how it is diagnosed, what the treatment options are, and what the prognosis is. It also gives you a link that allows you to read personal accounts.
Treatment Directories
4DepressionTherapy.com : This site has a great search engine with all licensed professionals who specialize in helping those suffering from depression.
American Psychological Association : American Psychological Association has a directory of doctors and therapists working with the American Psychological Association. Contact one in your area and get linked to a variety of top notch psychologists and therapists.
CounselingBook.com : CounselingBook.com allows you to search by keyword, category, state, city, and zip code for treatment centers, therapists, support groups, psychological assessments and many more helpful groups.
Find-a-Therapist : Find-a-Therapist allows you to search by type of therapist or help you need (such as counseling, treatment centers, etc), the U.S. city or zip code, and the search radius.
Psychology Today : Psychology Today has a directory of therapists. You can narrow your search by selecting the kind of help you need through a list of options, or by searching by city or zip.
SAMHSA’s Mental Health Service Locator : With this locator you can find comprehensive information about mental health services, resources, and professionals in your area.
TherapistLocator.net : TherapistLocater.net allows you to search for therapists in the United States, Canada, and overseas. Every single therapist listed on the site has at least a master’s degree in the profession and most specialize in depression.
Tags: At Risk Teens, Depressed Teens, Depression, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sad Teens, Sue Scheff, Teen Depression, Teen Help, Troubled Teens
Sue Scheff: Summer Program for Struggling Teens
by Sue Scheff on May 06, 2010
Summer is almost here, is your teen failing in school? Hanging out with less than desirable peers? Smoking pot or worse? Do you see your teenager going down a negative path?
Maybe it is time to find a good, positive Emotional Growth Summer Program to help stimulate your teen in a positive direction. Build their self-worth to make better choices. Help them to determine where these negative actions are stemming from.
Being a proactive parent can help you prevent your teen from spiraling out-of-control. Just say NO to Boot Camps, as many parents believe that beating a child into submission will scare them straight. In many cases, this is simply false. It is about building your child back up again.
For more help and assistance, please visit www.HelpYourTeens.com – for over a decade, Parents’ Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.) has helped thousands of families. Whether we are there to let you know you are not alone or you are seeking outside help, P.U.R.E. is available to you. Fill out a form today and get a free consultation.
Tags: At Risk Teens, Emotional Growth Programs, Parenting, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Struggling Teens, Sue Scheff, Summer Camps, Summer Programs, Teen Help, Teen Help Programs, Troubled Teens, Wilderness Programs
Sue Scheff: Addict vs Enabler – Are you either one of them? Are you loving your child to death?
by Sue Scheff on Apr 14, 2010
“You are loving your child to death” is a common phrase we will hear professionals say when a parent has become an enabler to their child, whether adult or teenager, that has become or on the road to becoming an addict.
“But she/he needs a place to stay, they are hungry, they promised they will change – this time” is a common phrase we hear a parent say to others that are attempting to help that family.
As the author of “Wit’s End, Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-ControlTeen“, and a Parent Advocate, I speak with parents of struggling teens regularly. Parents in denial cannot see they are only hurting their teen and prolonging their recovery by continuing to rescue them and make excuses for them. The number of times I hear parents say how smart their child is, or they know he/she will change, it is just a typical teen, etc – all this could be true, however do you want to risk it isn’t being a phase?
Interventionist Kristina Wandzilak shares her story of addiction and the experience that eventually changed her life. Watch video here. This is worth 4 minutes of all parents that are struggling with an at risk teen or addict child.
Addicted is one of the most powerful and realistic reality shows that has recently hit the air waves. This show exposes how an addict is not only destroying their life, they are affecting their entire family and what is left of their circle of friends.
Stealing their parents valuables, siblings and parents putting bolt locks on their bedroom doors, the addict is sometimes literally selling their body for sex for money for their next high. Even being arrested doesn’t effect some addicts. Many have been through numerous rehabs only to fall back again.
That is why this is an entire family that needs to work this process, not just the addict. The family needs to change their habits, their enabling, their thought process. They need to accept that they cannot control, help or force their child to change. Sometimes hitting rock bottom isn’t far enough.
The addict needs to make that decision to change, the family needs to make that decision to change. If the family doesn’t change, the addict will continue to feed off them and vice versa.
As hard as it may be, until the family let’s go, steps away from denial and enabling; the sooner the addict will realize there is no more rescue net. Many fear their addict may die or commit suicide, God forbid that happens, however it is not the parents fault. If you truly think about it – by enabling them you are helping them toward one less day of life. There is nothing good or healthy that can come from addiction.
So parents, stop being in denial. Watch Addicted, learn you are not alone. Reach out, get help. Even if your child doesn’t want it, do it for your family.
Stop making excuses and save a life.
Resource for parents of troubled teens: www.helpyourteens.com
Resource for parents of adult children: www.peachford.com
Order Wit’s End today and watch Addicted. Be an educated parent, you will have safer teens.
Tags: Addict, Addicted, Drug Abuse, Parenting, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Teen Help, Troubled Teens, Wits End
Sue Scheff: Dr. Drew Talks about Cough Medicine Abuse
by Sue Scheff on Mar 09, 2010
Recently I was privileged to be part of an interesting and educational conversation with Dr. Drew and Jeff Wolfsberg.
Jeff Wolfsberg posted an excellent outline of our discussion. For parents that are raising teens today, it is imperative you understand the dangers of cough medicine abuse as well as other medicines in your home.
Tags: At Risk Teens, Cough Medicine Abuse, Dr. Drew, Drug Use, Parenting, Parenting Resources, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Substance Abuse, Sue Scheff, Teen Help, Troubled Teens
Sue Scheff: Money and Your Teens
by Sue Scheff on Feb 04, 2010
A few weeks ago I wrote about teens and how many think that the money parents give them is growing on trees. Well, not really, but I am sure many can relate. In Financial Literacy and your teens, I offered some tips and insights. This week Connect with Kids offers some more great parenting tips!
Source: Connect with Kids
Teen Finances
“I think that it’s easy for kids nowadays to get a hold of money and not appreciate it; not understand the value of it.”
– Cassandra Morehead, mother
It’s a dilemma faced by many parents: your child earns money from babysitting, a part-time job or even allowance. Do you let them spend it any way they’d like? Or do you control the money?
What’s the best way to teach financial literacy and responsibility?
In the Morehead home, balancing the checkbook and reviewing credit card statements is a family event. Both of the accounts belong to 17-year-old Janson.
“I definitely felt like he was old enough and mature enough and since he’s a junior, I thought that it was time he started learning how to handle money,” says Janson’s mother, Cassandra Morehead.
If he had his way, Janson admits he would spend like crazy – but his parents set limits. With his checking account, he can buy clothes, books or go to the movies or out to eat with friends.
And when it comes to the credit card, Janson says, “It’s all actually approved by my mom so when the statement comes she knows that it’s all stuff she’s okay with.”
Experts say it’s important for teens to have some control over their money.
“[Otherwise] they’re gonna become frustrated,” explains psychiatrist John Lochridge. “They’re gonna probably want things even more and as soon as they can buy something they will. They lose that impulse control.”
Experts say those impulses can lead to debt. Surveys show that over 80 percent of college students have credit cards with an average balance just over $3,000. Therefore, it’s important for parents to talk to their kids early and often about money.
“I think that it’s easy for kids nowadays to get a hold of money and not appreciate it; not understand the value of it and what it means to have a short-term sacrifice for long-term gain,” says Morehead.
She and her husband began teaching Janson and his younger brother about finances at an early age. Janson says working with his parents to manage his money is building skills that will last a lifetime.
“It gives me assurance that when I’m out there on my own, I’ll be able to keep track of everything,” he says, “[and] watch out and spend wisely.”
Tips for Parents
Talking with your children about finance and debt is extremely important for their fiscal futures. One study revealed that only 42 percent of eighth to twelfth graders said their parents discussed finances with them on a regular basis. Seventy-nine percent of them, however, said they are interested in how to manage their money. Experts give three main reasons why parents don’t talk to their children about money.
- Parents don’t know how to manage money very well themselves, so they can’t get a handle on what to tell their kids. If parents are living paycheck-to-paycheck, building debt on charge cards and home equity loans and not saving for the long term, it’s hard to know what to tell children.
- Parents aren’t practicing what they ought to be preaching. If parents are not using self-discipline by setting a good example for their kids, how can they hold their kids to a higher standard than they hold themselves? Modeling behavior takes a serious commitment.
- Their parents didn’t talk to them about money, so now they don’t know how to talk to their own kids about money. Also, perhaps because today’s parents didn’t learn money management, they still don’t know how it all fits together. They may be 45 to 50 years old and still making it up as they go along.
Remember that there are many opportunities to talk with your child about money management. When you do, remember these basic concepts:
- Making choices – Have them make a list of things they want to do with their money.
- Evaluating cost – Encourage them to decide what’s affordable or reasonable.
- Weighing tradeoffs in a purchase decision – Encourage them to think critically and look at the long-term ramifications of buying one thing or another.
- Delaying purchases – Instill the value of saving money and not spending it as soon as it’s received.
- Dealing with opportunity cost — Tell your child that whenever he/she buys one thing, he/she has eliminated the possibility of buying something else
- Work with your child to rank the items on the wish list. Discuss with your child what to buy first, second, third, etc. Help your child go over the list every few weeks to see if new things should be added, old ones dropped or items moved up or down on the list.
References
- The Mint
- Discovery Channel School
- AOK Teacher Stuff
Read more on Examiner.
Tags: Connect with Kids, Financial Literacy, Parenting, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Teen Finances, Teen Help, Teens and Money, Troubled Teens
