According to a study by the University of Michigan, if children start antisocial behavior in their early grades and continue into the teen years with serious aggression, this seems to predict arrests in early adulthood and psychiatric disorders such as depression and drug addiction.
WHAT CAUSES TROUBLED YOUTH
Lack of attachment to parents, low self-esteem, absence or negative influence of adults, lack of acceptance in a positive peer group.
SIGNS OF A TROUBLED TEEN
- Lying
- Stealing
- Sleeping too much
- Body image issues
- Poor personal hygiene
- Bullying others
- Using alcohol and drugs
- Loss of self-esteem
- Excessive electronic use
- Isolation
- Failing in school
THE WORST NIGHTMARE IS WHEN A TROUBLED TEEN BECOMES A TROUBLED ADULT
When a teen struggling with behavior and emotional problems turns 18, there is not more parental control. They now have access to most of the rights and burdens of adulthood, but many have not been provided with the tools to handle these rights and burdens. If these 18-year-olds have emotional and behavioral issues, they begin a troubled adult life.
WAYS ADULTS CAN CONNECT AND EMPOWER TROUBLED TEENS TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE JOURNEY TO BECOMING ADULTS
- Be sensitive. Adults need to listen and then take the time to guide or advise, and this starts with being sensitive to their intellectual, creative, and emotional needs.
- Offer encouragement. This helps youth feel capable and appreciated.
- Elicit their creativity. An adult can empower a young person and give them self-confidence by making them feel important. One way to do that is by asking them for ideas and possible solutions to problems.
- Tell them you care. Tell them you love and care about them unconditionally, even when they make a mistake.
- Help them handle adversity rather than run away.
Teach them life skills lessons appropriate for their age:
ARISE Life Skills Lessons & Curriculum