How Siblings Can Aid In Helping Your Trouble Teen Feel Understood

There is no right answer when your teenager is in trouble. But there are ways to guide your teen, yourself, and your family on a path toward healing. There are avenues and resources to advise you on the right course of action. Wherever and whatever the situation may be, there is a therapy option out there to assist you.

A therapeutic boarding school's mission is to create positive change in a troubled teen's life. However, it is important to establish a strong and healthy communication bond in the family - especially between siblings.

Communication in the Key

Teenagers, although seemingly mature, are still developing and forming their own identities. Parents should be equipped with the right communication tools when talking with their teenager.

• Open communication develops a bond between you and your child. If your teen feels like they can trust you, then they can speak up if they need help.
• Establishing communication with your other children can help them process why their sibling is acting the way they are.
• Letting your teen know you are available to listen to them without fear of consequences can allow for better understanding.

Your Teen is not the Enemy

Depending on what your teen is going through, it is important to remember to not make them the opposition of the family. How you talk about and how you communicate with them will send messages to other members of the family. For example, if your tone is always negative when referring to your troubled teen, their sibling(s) may begin to feel negativity toward them. Take into consideration that your children spend time with each other; if you make your teen the enemy then it will impact your other kids as well.

Thing to Remember:

• Your troubled teen needs allies and turning to their brother or sister may be the only people they can trust.
• Having open and positive communication can keep this level of trust between them as well as include you as the parent.
• Don't use your other children to gain information about your troubled teen - this could cause conflict later on.
• Support all of your children to the best of your abilities.
• Be honest and trust that your kids will understand and can reassure you and their sibling.

Parenting is difficult and it can be tough to know what the right think to do it for your children. But remember, there are resources to help you and your teen. Love then, support them, and don't be afraid to reach out for help.