Parenting difficult teenagers has become an epidemic — but sending a troubled teen to get help is still a very emotional decision. A big question many parents ask themselves is, “Will my teen hate me for sending them away?”
If you’re reading this it’s likely you’ve been struggling with your teenager for awhile and now considering a therapeutic boarding school.
This is not an easy decision to come to — it means you have exhausted all your local resources and understand your child needs help from outside professionals that you can’t provide at home. The truth is, you are not alone, many of us have been on this road and although you can’t see it now, it will get better.
Every parent fears that their teen will hate them for this decision, however after doing your due diligence in researching programs, it’s the opposite that happens.
Have you been dealing with a few of these behavior issues:
-Teen depression, anxiety
–ADHD, ODD, OCD or RAD
-Vaping, smoking pot, drinking
-Self-harm, suicide ideation
-Video gaming addiction, smartphone obsession
-Stealing, legal issues
-Bipolar, Conduct disorder
–Family discord
-Anger, rage and destruction of property
–Failing in school, capable of passing
-Skipping classes or school refusal
You tried therapy but your teen either refused to attend or stopped engaging. Outpatient treatment failed. The school setting is no longer working, you may have tried a short-term hospital stay that was unsuccessful.
We believe in positive and encouraging schools and programs, environments that build your teen up to make better choices and determine where their negative behavior is stemming from. This is why doing your homework in choosing the program is crucial.
Initially your teen may enter the program and not like you very much (it may feel like hate to you and them) but — they actually will grow from their fear and anger.
Your teen will likely be scared of the new situation and may also promise to “do better at home” however you know that you have already heard all these promises and spent a long time trying. It’s time to be the adult, be the parent and do what is best for your child.
It is at this time that talking to other parents can be very supportive for you — parents that have taken this journey before you, maybe from the same program you have selected for your teen.
We never recommend parents threaten their child about sending them away, since choosing residential therapy is such an amazing opportunity for your teen to develop coping skills they may be lacking, improve self-esteem to make better choices, learn anger and stress management skills and most of all – improve their overall mental wellness.
Also read:
Success in Therapeutic Boarding Schools.
5 Benefits of Boarding Schools.
Why Residential Treatment Works When Home Therapy Fails
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Contact us today for a free consultation to help find the right therapeutic boarding school for your troubled teen.
