Replies to 'Troubled Teens'

It is very tough when you are going to a situation like this, especially with a child whom you love and do not want to see him get hurt.  I wouldn't know about this yet because my son is only 12 years old.  I do not know the whole story about how you raised your teen, or what the past is.. There is always a reason why teens act the way they act.  I was a teen before, and, with my not so wonderful past, I was rebellious, I started to drink since I was 15, and I was very depressed, I am blessed that I was able to get past this.  I am not trying to judge because I do not know your lifestyle, however, there are two reasons why kids act the way they act:  Either the parents are extremely strict (like micromanaging, expecting too much of them, beating them for any little thing, or just being smothering), or they are too lenient (not disciplining the  child when needed, letting them do whatever they want, letting the child take complete control, the parent not being around).  There needs to be a balance.  Parents need to show kids who's boss the moment they are born.  Teens will always be teens, but, when they go to the extreme, there is definitely a problem.  In my oppinion, he needs a swift kick in the butt. He is grown and he should know what's right and what's wrong.  Anyway, my only suggestion is therapy, if you are not doing so yet.   it's up to you on how you want to handle the situation. I can tell you one thing:  The more you allow this to happen, the more it's going to hurt you and this child.