Author: MJT
Help With Parenting A Teen Starts With Knowing What To Look
For
It is no crime to ask for help with parenting a teen. But in
order to ask for that help, one must first understand what problems your teen
may face. Here is a brief overview of some of the more severe issues facing
teens today, the issues that have faced them in the past, and the issues that
will face them in the future.
Depression
Depression is not something a teen can ‘shake’ or merely
grow out of. Depression can be a serious condition that may result in serious
consequences. It may be minor depression (an extended depressive episode that
is not permanent) or it may be major depression (a protracted depressive
condition that may be the result of a serious psychiatric disorder)
Regardless of the type of depression your teen may be
suffering, it is advised to speak with your teen and seek professional help. Do
not ignore the problem and hope it goes away. Most of all, do not believe in
‘punishing’ your teen into getting ‘out of their funk.’
You do not provide yourself with help with parenting a teen
when you downplay a severe problem.
Eating Disorders
There are eating disorders that have entered the public
consciousness through a variety of TV, movie and book saturation since the
early 1970’s. While we have been aware of the dangers of eating disorders for
decades, we are no closer to truly understanding how to combat the disorders
effectively.
In order to provide oneself with help with parenting a teen,
one must be on the look out for the signs of an eating disorder such as rapid
weight loss and a seeming aversion to food and a preoccupation with weight.
Drugs
Probably the worst example of help with parenting a teen
occurred on a 1971 episode of the game show “To Tell the Truth.” A father
appeared on the show and revealed he was the author of a book chronicling his
son’s battle with heroin abuse. The book provided a guide book for parents looking
for help with parenting a teen by outlining the signs of drug addiction. In an
arrogant and defiant self righteous manner, one of the celebrity guests told
the father something to the effect “Well, isn’t that great. You found a way to
make a buck off of it.”
Mercifully, thanks to the pioneering efforts of that father,
we no longer are in the dark as to the signs of drug problems. There are a
multitude of books out there covering the topic of help with parenting a teen
with drug issues. It’s not 1971 anymore so take advantage of the available
information out there.
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