As parents, it’s normal to look at our children and think about how they’ve changed throughout the years—both positively and sometimes negatively. This is never more evident than when a once-obedient child abruptly becomes a defiant and contentious adolescent as they enter the teen years. As teens negotiate the challenges of developing independence and evolving […]

Being a single parent is a difficult journey with many obstacles to overcome, especially as your children get older. And while it’s great for the budget when you don’t need to worry about childcare costs, how can you ensure your teen is following the rules when they’re home alone? The fact is that most jobs […]

Since the beginning, video games have entertained a wide range of ages, with some teens spending much, if not all, of their free time in the virtual world. This expenditure of time can be both good and bad, depending on other factors. For instance, our team at Liahona Academy has worked with countless teens whose […]

Often diagnosed in children and adolescents, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) can be a challenging behavioral disorder for everyone involved. ODD is characterized by a pattern of vengeful or irritable moods, argumentative or defiant behaviors, or both. It can have a serious negative effect on a teen’s relationships, academic performance, and general well-being.  Fostering positive outcomes […]

Many parents have caught their toddlers or preschoolers redhanded, sneaking a cookie after dinner or even taking a piece of candy from a local store. While the incident is embarrassing for parents, especially if the theft is from someplace outside the home, a simple conversation about right and wrong usually does the trick. Why, then, […]

Having been one once, parents understand that teenagers naturally push boundaries. However, when boundary pushing becomes violent, it’s easy to see that something must change. After all,  you deserve to stay safe, but even more importantly, you have a responsibility to keep the rest of your family members safe as well. That responsibility extends to […]

The teenage years can be rough. Kids have to go through several significant changes at the same time. For some teens, it can become overwhelming. Their bodies and minds change while they jump into a pressure cooker socially. Many teenagers can develop emotional health problems that can lead to issues like substance abuse or even […]

There aren’t many easy decisions for parents when their teenager has behavioral issues. But when a child’s bad behavior starts to spiral out of control, one of the most challenging decisions to make is whether to send their teen to residential treatment. Parents are concerned that their teens will hate them if they send them […]

Growing up isn’t easy, and children of all ages act out. But while temper tantrums are common among younger children, they tend to get less severe and less frequent as kids approach adolescence. Unfortunately, as children become teenagers, a new set of alarming and more destructive behaviors can rear up, leaving parents scrambling to figure […]

Adolescence is a challenging period for teens, marked by physical, emotional, and social development. Most teens pass this phase with proper support and guidance, but if your teen is experiencing emotional turmoil, behavioral issues, and academic challenges, it’s not very uncommon. If you have a troubled teen, finding the proper support can be overwhelming. According […]