My Son’s Troubles Started At School. Now It’s Trouble With The Law. What Can I Do?
Teens are known for pushing boundaries, from cutting class to staying out beyond their curfew. While these behaviors shouldn’t be encouraged, many parents take them in stride as the independence-testing that they are and reign in their teenagers successfully. But it’s not always that easy to get your teen on the right path.
Sometimes, those smaller poor choices can escalate, until one day, your teenage son is brought home by a police officer for shoplifting or joyriding. That first brush with the law isn’t always enough to scare your son straight, and your son continues his troubling behavior.
If that sounds familiar to you, then it may be time to start looking into residential treatment centers for troubled teenage boys and other serious intervention options.
Review What You Have Tried So Far
It can be overwhelming trying to keep up with the disciplinary needs of a teenage boy who is dead-set on disobeying you at every turn. Likely, you have tried talking to your son, grounding him, setting rewards, taking away privileges, and anything else you could think of doing. You’ve likely met with your son’s teachers and school administrators more than he has at this point.
Regular talk therapy doesn’t work if your son refuses to attend or even speak during family therapy sessions. Also, in many cases when a teenager is acting out seriously, there is a division in the family that causes further chaos.
This story is unfortunately familiar, as parents of troubled teens try their best for their teens. But, once law enforcement starts to be involved, it is time to consider last-ditch efforts to save your teenage son from his own destructive choices.