Are you trying to cope with a troubled teen? Most teenagers go through a difficult period, it's part of becoming independent, but when their behavior becomes anti-social, their schooling is suffering or they seem unduly depressed, then you should think about taking action. If your troubled teen seems depressed and lacking self motivation, but is unwilling to talk to you, then they may need counselling.

An out of control teen also needs to be given the opportunity to discuss any issues they may have before more drastic measures are taken, such a school for troubled teens, a boot camp or a troubled teen program. As parents, none of us are perfect and you may have to examine how you are disciplining your teen, to see if it is consistent and appropriate. It is not an easy to remain calm and rational when dealing with a troubled teen whose behaviour seems totally irrational, but that is what you must do. All families need a set of rules and values that should be adhered to, if the rules are broken, the punishment must be consistent.

Firstly you need to look at your teen's behaviour and examine the form that it is taking. Are they out of control at home but performing well at school and not getting into trouble with the law? If that is the case, then you should be looking at the rules of behaviour you have set, to see whether you are being consistent in punishment when those rules are broken. Children of any age will push

If your troubled teen is having problems at school, whether it is falling grades, truancy or getting expelled, obviously the first thing to do is try to find the cause and a possible solution before you need to resort to more drastic measures, such as a boarding school for troubled teens, a boot camp or a troubled teen program.

A depressed teen needs help urgently before the situation worsens. Even if your teen is willing to talk to you, they may not fully understand why they are feeling as they do. If you are unable to resolve the problem, speak to your physician. He or she may advise on a professional who knows how to find the root cause.

Most parents will tell you how awful the teen years are, but fortunately most troubled teens develop into well adjusted adults. If there is a real problem, the sooner you intervene with the right guiding hand, the better their chances.

This article is for information only. You should always consult your doctor before commencing any treatment and no liability is accepted.

Margaret Tye runs the FromTots2Teens website that offers information on supplies for children of all ages as well as advice on health and other child and teenage related problems. You are welcome to use this article as long as the author is acknowledged and the article is linked back to From Tots 2 Teens.

• How Two Quarrelling Kids Helped Invent the Better Behavior


• Let Your Child Get Dirty! Its Essential for Physical and Mental Development


• Families That Hit Pine Cones Together Stay Together


• How to Listen to Your Teenager Without Appearing to Have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)


• Coaching Your Teenagers on the Quest for Good Grades


• Moms Need Me Time


• Secrets Of Happy Moms


• The Five Keys to Using Food Treats Wisely


• Video Game Censorship Here to Stay? Unlikely


• 10 Commandments for Parenting


• A Teen Life Coach on the College Homesick Blues


• Baby Gifts: How to Make Yours the One They Remember


• Kid Time and Couple Time


• Its Not the Great Pumpkin Stepmom, Its the Ex


• Ten Ways Your Family Can Help Hurricane Victims