Parenting Defiant Teens

Adolescence is a time when many young people test limits � and parents� patience. Some have said that being defiant is synonymous with kids growing through their teenage years. In fact many parents dread the drama that can occur as teens begin seeking independence. Teenage defiance often goes hand-in-hand with changing hormones and adolescent �attitudes.� In many cases, parents can head off problems by simply talking with their teen.

However, when acting out leads to difficulties at home, school or in the community, and talk is hard to come by, love must be tough. Tough love does not imply anger, or impatience, it simply means that doing the "right" thing can be tough to do. Parents need to help teenagers make the connection between behavior and consequences, whether it means taking away the car, restricting phone use or even refusing to intervene when a son or daughter goes to jail. If you�re dealing with a defiant teen, it is possible to demonstrate love, reason and cooperation � and to rebuild mutual trust and respect.

Programs that Can Help Defiant Teens

Programs that help treat defiant teens include boarding schools, residential treatment centers, wilderness programs, and boot camps. Defiance is often a common thread found in teens at all types of treatment programs. Programs treat defiance by creating an environment where the relationship between actions and consequences is very clear, and where consequences both good and bad are enforced quickly and consistently.