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You’ve been a dedicated parent, always involved in your son’s life. You are his biggest champion, the one who will be by his side through thick and thin. That’s why it troubles you to no end when you see him making poor choices. You’ve done everything in your power to lead by example. However, it’s like the old expression, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” If your teen is not following the right path in his life, you can talk until you’re blue in the face. It still might not do any good. Try some tips to turn the situation around.
Cut Off the Extras
If your teen is being irresponsible, take away privileges. That means no car, spending money, computer, or cell phone. Cutting him off will show that you mean what you say. Make it hit home that the extras in life must be earned. Adults don’t get hand-outs that they don’t deserve. The same holds true for your son. He may get his act together and head in the right direction once more.
Be Aware of the Potential Use of Drugs
Don’t be afraid to search your teen’s room when he isn’t home. Tear it upside down if you have to in order to find out if drugs are part of the reason that his personality has changes. If your son has suddenly lost interest in everything, is losing weight, seems restless, and is going through behavioral changes, substance abuse is a good possibility. Keep tabs on your prescriptions as well. Even household chemicals could be used to get high. You know very well that drug use could endanger your son’s life. Put a stop to it before it’s too late.
Hold an Intervention
When other efforts fail, gather together friends and loved ones to confront your teen. Make him hear your concerns. Show him how much you all care and let him know that you are all there to help him. If you still need assistance, seek professional help. A counselor, outpatient therapy, inpatient rehabilitation, or a therapeutic boarding schools for boys provide you with alternatives. The most important thing you can do is act now. Don’t put it off or you could regret it. The sooner you get your son’s life back on track, the more prospects there will be for the future.
Hi Samantha,
You’ve shared some great tips here. My daughter was being sassy when she bought her phone…she said “Now you can’t take my phone away because I paid for it.” and I was like “you’re right babe, but I pay for the line so I can suspend it.” LOL
I have also told my teens I wouldn’t hesitate to give them a drug test and there are no statute of limitations here. You would think they would have moved out but at 20 and 21, they’re still here ;).
I know some might think I’m a little strict but there is just too much stuff going on out there and if I loosen my grip a little they can drift. Where I live there are gangs and drugs and dealers so yeah I have to be on them. Besides breaking curfew and sneaking out I’ve not had problems, thank God. We plan on moving next year because it’s gotten so bad.
Passing this along! Have a great day hun!
Thanks Cornina. I agree with you, a tight grip (and no nonsense parenting) is the way to go. Good luck!