Identify That There Is A Problem With Your Teenager

These days it is all too easy to overlook that our teens may have potentially life threatening issues. We are so wrapped up with what it is going to take to survive in these trying times, that care for another human is secondary and sometimes last on our minds. This type of approach can only end in heartache and sometimes, heaven forbid, loss of a loved one.

It is human nature to want to be loved, when someone does not respond to love given, it is time to take a look. I am not talking about showing affection just to get a reaction, this can often be identified as "fake" and often will not get a reaction. I am talking about a genuine care for someone, a smile, a hug, or a simple concern for how the person is doing. These types of care are always met with a returned appreciation for the persons well being. If not, there is a reason why and you should be concerned that there may be deeper issues.

Most teens shut down communication when they feel that nobody cares or loves them. They also become emotional when they feel like they have been disrespected. This is natural. When you start to notice that they are spending a lot of time alone, become involved with what they are doing in that down time. I truly believe that nobody really wants to be alone. Teens want to have privacy, but they also want to be noticed.

Take notes who your teen is hanging out with. When teens feel they can not get the advice they need from their parents, they turn to their friends for advice. We all know that, having been teenagers once before, teenagers know everything and nothing all at the same time. Make sure that you are always there for your teenager and let them know that they can come to you with anything.

Nobody knows your teenager as well as you do. When you suspect that your child may be doing drugs, take steps to get involved. Recognize the following signs early on. Look for physical changes as well as emotional changes. If your teen begins to gain or lose weight very quickly, if they begin to neglect their appearance, or start to smell like smoke, it is time to take actions. Look for radical behavior changes, like lying and stealing. Look for physical changes like; inability to sleep, hyperactivity, increased sensitivity, confusion, unexplainable mood swings. Watch to see if your teen is becoming irritable or argumentative for no reason at all. All these signs are good indicators that an intervention is needed.

I would always encourage someone to try and open communication with their teen before it is too late. Establish an open and honest relationship with your teen. Restrain your emotions from becoming angry at anything that your teen may tell you. If you over react to the things that your teen may say to you, they will shut down and you cannot help them.

If you can not or will not deal with these issues alone, it may be time to seek help elsewhere. Look into the possibility of starting therapy or look into a group home that has a clean environment for your teen. I hope that we can get to these wonderful kids and help them to become the dream that we all envision when they were newborn babies, before they choose a path that leads to doom. That is my hope and dream for the youth of the world.