The journey from childhood to adulthood is already stressful enough for teenagers. Witnessing a violent event can make it even worse by suddenly turning a teenager’s world upside down. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that a large percentage of youths exposed to traumatic events may develop lasting emotional or behavioral changes, including teen …
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My Kid Self-Harms: How Do I Keep Them Safe in the House
Learning that a teenager is intentionally hurting themselves is something that most parents dread thinking about. Parents who find themselves in such a scenario should understand they are not alone. Teen mental health crises are quite rampant, with roughly 20% of US high school students seriously considering suicide in recent studies. Despite such statistics, it …
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My Kid Is Not Showering
Imagine walking past your teenager’s room only to be hit by a unique wave of stale sweat. On paying close attention, you discover they have been wearing the same clothes for four days straight. When you try pointing out that they need to take better care of their hygiene, it becomes a confrontation. Such a …
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I Can’t Get My Kid to Go to School
Even with the declining rates, school absenteeism is still a big issue. Chronic absenteeism is estimated at 24% of the school-going population. Before pointing fingers, it is important to note that besides truancy or parental neglect, there are many reasons why a teenager may not show up or want to show up to school for …
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Why Can’t I Talk to My Kid in the First Seventy-Two Hours of Treatment?
When a teen enters a higher level of care, early stabilization is not about being cold or distant. It is about safety. A short communication pause is not meant to punish parents or isolate teens. When a program uses a policy like this, the usual goal is to help the teen settle in, complete urgent …
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