Camps for Troubled Teens

There is nothing scarier for a parent than living with a teen that is out of control. Troubled teens can not only hurt themselves but sometimes they can tear apart the entire family. Once normal and content, your teen may now be abusing drugs or alcohol, lying, stealing, cutting or engaging in other destructive or disturbing behavior. If you're not sure whether your child is ready for therapeutic programs such as Christian youth programs and wilderness programs, here are five warning signs to look out for provided by Heartlight Ministries:

1. Your teen refuses to abide by anything you say or request, and his or her resulting behaviors put your teen or your family in danger or high risk leading to constant fear or stress in the home.

2. Your teen is displaying behavior that is a marked change from what has been normal (sleeping little or too long, forgetfulness, lack of motivation, aggression, depression, anxiety, grades slipping, hating what they once loved or loving what they once hated, always wanting to be with friends or away from home, or avoiding friends altogether and spending too much time alone).

3. Your teen has become increasingly disrespectful, dishonest, disobedient and openly displays rebellion, no longer veiling his or her feelings or caring about the consequences.

4. There is a blatant ignorance or profound rebellion toward the boundaries, Belief System or rules of the home. This can be shown in passive aggressiveness or open defiance that is unusually excessive for your teen.

5. There are outright or veiled threats of suicide, or self-mutilation/cutting, excessive risk-taking, dangerous drug use or blatant sexual promiscuity--seemingly a loss of a conscience or moral compass.

Instead of ignoring the warning signs, it is important to accept the reality of the situation and send your child to a therapeutic program such as camps for troubled teens, Christian youth programs or wilderness programs. To learn more about wilderness programs and other troubled kids programs, please visit www.MyTroubledTeen.com.