—
Being an emotionally stable teen has never been more difficult. We live in a digital world where social media, and the relentless the bullying that can go with it, can be carried around in a teenager’s pocket while he attends math class. For those teens who are more emotionally vulnerable than others, everyday life can be a struggle. The result can be a child who finds himself experiencing chronic depression, anger, and even suicidal thoughts.
For parents who find that they are ready to give up on getting their troubled teen back to normal, there is one rock solid solution. According to the professionals at Ridge, a teen residential treatment center, parents of a troubled teen should know that specialized programs are available to them. They are designed for those teens who require more intensive care than what’s available to them at home, school, or through traditional therapy. The short-term residential programs focus on evaluating, stabilizing, and preparing teens for a happier and more productive life.
While it’s important for both parents to play a significant role in their teen’s upbringing, there’s nothing that can replace the masculine role a father plays in raising his teen. This begs the question, what are some of the important signs that a teen needs his father’s guidance?
A recent report by Power of Positivity states that the teenage years can be a tumultuous time for kids and their parents. There will always be “normal problems” that most kids struggle with at this time of life, but some kids will suffer from deeper issues. This is a time when they require the strong, masculine presence of their father the most.
Here are eight of these issues.
Suddenly Deceitful and Secretive
If, under normal circumstances, your teen is open and even talkative, but suddenly starts lying and hiding things, it can be a cause of concern. Teens are said to struggle with sharing their feelings with their fathers, in particular. A teen acting deceitfully is not a healthy situation. It’s possible they could be getting involved with illicit drugs or other dangerous behavior that’s causing them to feel this way. As a father, your job is tough love. That is to get at the truth of what’s making your teen secretive, even if it involves some kind of disciplinary action.
Sleeping Too Much
It’s a scientific fact that teens require extra sleep due to their developing bodies and minds. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that a teen between the ages of 13 and 18 need to get 8 to 10 hours of sleep every 24 hours. However, if as a concerned father, you find that your teen is sleeping almost all the time, it could be a sign of depression. It’s best to pull your teen aside and engage in some straight talk.
Abrupt Failing Grades
A teen who has proven himself a good student but suddenly begins showing disinterest in his schoolwork resulting in failing grades, is another sure sign he needs his father’s direct intervention. It’s of vital importance that the father or both parents get at the root of the problem. The National Institute of Health indicates that failing grades could be an indication of depression or some other type of trouble.
Sudden Change in Eating Patterns
Avoiding food, skipping meals, and emotional binge eating are said to be signs of big trouble. Fathers can often miss these signs while under the assumption that most teens go through this kind of thing. But if bad eating patterns persist for several months, it should be considered cause for concern. It’s possible your teen could be on drugs, force fasting, binge eating and purging, or even struggling with anorexia.
Excessive Self-Imposed Isolation
It’s common for teens to hang out in their bedroom by themselves. But if your teen is suddenly refusing to join the family for outing, meals, or conversations, it could be a sign that there’s something troubling going on with them. It’s a good idea for a father to insist on having a good talk with the teen.
Here are three more common signs a troubled teen requires the attention of their father:
Stealing
If your teen is suddenly being escorted home by the police for stealing, a father needs to impose some serious disciplinary action on the child and perhaps send him to professional counseling.
Ignoring personal hygiene
If your teen refuses to bathe it could be a sign of drug use or depression or both.
Skipping School
This is another sign your teen is either doing drugs or is in some kind of trouble. It requires the direct intervention of both parents, but the father in particular.
While it’s of vital importance that both parents play an equal role in the raising of their teen, it’s of particular importance that a father is there every step of the way. The father is the strong, masculine rock of the family, and a teen will do well with his guidance, even if that guidance comes in the form of tough love.
—
