My Son Keeps Getting Into Fights At School, What Can I Do?

Parenting a teenager can be challenging and confusing. As your child grows into adolescence, they may have different behavior problems at school. For some parents, this could mean that their teen son gets into fights or does other things that worry them. Unfortunately, this can also mean sleepless nights and a decline in the relationship between parent and child to a point where parents aren't sure where to turn.  At Liahona Treatment Center, we support parents and their teen sons, helping them find the resources to successfully guide their sons through this difficult time. Our multifaceted program focuses on a well-rounded approach that allows teens to increase their confidence, process their feelings, and begin to make choices that enhance their lives. Our top-notch team includes a licensed psychiatrist, licensed therapists, and five registered nurses. In addition to our services to address your teen's mental health, we also offer the ability to attend classes in a safe environment, allowing them to continue to earn credits toward graduation. In this guide, we'll talk more about what parents can expect when their teen son has problems at school and how our team can help.

How to Make Sense of the Teen Years

Your child will undergo many changes during their teen years, including physical, social, and mental changes that can make them act differently, some of which may be hard to deal with. It can be hard to remember that these actions are often typical in adolescence while teens try to find their own freedom, identity, and sense of self. But when these habits get bad enough to cause problems at school, it's essential to deal with them proactively.

Handling Behavior Problems in School

Some teens often fight at school. It can be caused by peer issues, bullying, or simply being upset about something that may or may not even be related to who they're fighting with. To deal with this behavior successfully, you need to know why it's happening - which can be more difficult when your teen isn't talking. Even if your teen hasn't hit the "fighting" stage, you might have noticed them beginning to withdraw, skip classes, or miss the entire day. This is also often accompanied by a decrease in motivation. Additionally, acting out in class, talking back to teachers, or being constantly disruptive can be signs of deeper problems.

What Can Parents Do to Help Angry Teens?

The good news is that you have choices. Consider the following tips to see if you can make some headway. If not, our team might be the next best option, especially if you see your teen's behaviors spiraling quickly.

• Practice Active Listening: Try to listen actively when they talk to you. This means reserving judgment, focusing on what they're saying, and trying to see things from their point of view. Parents often have a response ready before their child is even finished. This is the opposite of active listening and can cause your child to withdraw further.
• Talk With School Employees: Talk to your child's teachers, psychologists, and leaders. Set up meetings to discuss your concerns and create solutions to the problems as a group. Schools usually have plans to help students who have trouble with their behavior. However, remember that your teen needs you on their side. If the plan doesn't have their best interests in mind, or your teen continues to struggle, it's time to search for alternatives.
• Set Clear Boundaries and Consequences: Make sure everyone at home knows what is expected of them and what will happen if they don't behave. You need to be consistent to help your teenager learn how important it is to act responsibly. It's also important to include them in the process. This makes them more likely to take responsibility for their actions and helps them understand how actions lead to results.
• Encourage Activities Outside of School: Get your son involved in activities outside of school or sports he likes. These things can give him an excellent way to use his energy and help him make good friends. Your teen's self-esteem and sense of belonging can also be boosted by events outside of school, which can help improve their behavior and attitude.
• Role Modeling: Be a good example by acting respectfully. Teens often learn from what and how their parents do things. Show them how to deal with conflicts and stress by doing these things yourself when you're with others.
• Get Professional Help: If your son's actions don't change or get worse, our team can help. We have years of experience working with struggling teens and offer a customized approach to help your teen resolve underlying issues and regain their confidence.

What Type of Consequences Can You Expect if the Behavior Continues?

Parents of teens who fight and cause trouble at school regularly should be ready for a wide range of outcomes that can affect both their child's education and personal growth. First and foremost, consequences can include things like suspensions or expulsions. You should also understand that your son's actions can significantly impact them socially and mentally, especially if they continue to be violent. Teens who consistently find themselves in trouble have difficulty making friends, which leads to lower self-esteem and loneliness, making the issues even worse. Also, if these habits continue, they can lead to legal problems in your child's future and put extended stress on your family. 

How Can We Help?

We offer a refreshing take on what is commonly thought of as treatment centers by crafting a framework for your teen that focuses on the whole picture. We show empathy and fair results when teens act out, giving them more control and a clear understanding of cause and effect. Our program teaches that healthy ideas and actions lead to positivity and growth, ensuring that each student gets results related to their work. In other words, they receive natural consequences for their choices, eliminating the power struggles often resulting from negative behaviors. In addition, our students learn that some options give them more freedom and the power to be all they can be, while others only bring them down. We also work closely with the parents of our students, teaching them the art of natural consequences and empowering them to focus on a positive relationship with their teens. We understand that parenting a teenager with behavior problems at school can be challenging, which is why we're dedicated to helping both you and your teen effectively navigate your emotions during this time. By learning what's happening with your teen son's behavior and taking steps to fix it, you can help him gain the resources he needs for a successful future. You and your teen can get through these challenging years together if you are patient, talk to each other, and have the right team by your side. This will improve your relationship and help your son become a responsible, well-adjusted adult. Contact our team today if you need assistance with your teen.