The Role of Structure and Discipline in Helping Troubled Teens Thrive

For some parents, it can be difficult to discipline and provide proper structure for troubled teens. On the other hand, if you don't discipline your child the right way, it can trigger negative behaviors and mental health issues. If your teenager refuses to abide by your rules or lacks structure, it may be time to consider help from a professional. This is especially true if your child has underlying issues such as depression, bipolar, or borderline personality disorder. We've provided information on what happens if you need to provide structure and discipline for your teen. Plus, some tips on what to do if you need help to provide your child with routine and authority.

What Happens When Teens Don't Have Structure and Discipline

Teenagers who don't have a proper routine or discipline in their lives may struggle with making decisions or with self-regulation. They may also have problems with impulsive behaviors like skipping school or drinking alcohol. Without giving your teen clear boundaries, they will feel lost or even insecure about everything they do. You may even notice a decline in their grades and anti-social behavior. On the other hand, teens with mental health disorders may struggle to abide by the rules and are more susceptible to negative peer influences.

Challenges Some Parents Face When Discipling Teenagers

When disciplining your teenager,, you may struggle to balance authority with fostering independence. For example, your teen may resist rules as they seek authority, which can lead to major power struggles. Additionally, frequent emotional outbursts and defiance can make consistent discipline difficult. You will also struggle with setting appropriate consequences by being too lenient or overly strict. If you have a busy schedule, you may struggle with the time to address certain issues. Lastly, mental health issues can also be a challenge when trying to discipline your teen.

How to Provide Proper Discipline and Structure for Teenagers

Some parents lack the skills or knowledge to set healthy boundaries for their children. If you're one of those parents, here are some tips to help you create a supportive environment.

Take Your Teen's Specific Needs and Opinions Into Account

Not all teenagers are the same, so you'll need to try various methods to set a specific structure and routine that fits their needs. For example, if your teen has mental health conditions, try to limit their social media access and screen time. Another aspect is considering their opinions. Try to acknowledge their needs and understand their feelings about a specific situation. You should also abide by the same rules you set for your child so you can be an example to them.

Set the Right Consequences

The best way to instill discipline in children is to make it known that rule-breaking will have consequences. Taking away your teen's privileges is one way to do this, such as confiscating their phone or grounding them. You could also use reparations or restitution as a consequence. For example, if your teen damages something in the house, they must earn money to fix it. With the right methods, you can teach your teen to take responsibility for their actions, contributing to personal growth.

Therapeutic Boarding Schools

Teenagers with behavioral issues will need help from professionals who can give them the proper discipline in a structured environment. The best place for teenagers with mental health challenges is a therapeutic boarding school. Therapeutic boarding school programs are specifically designed to provide education and therapy for children who don't react well to parental discipline and routine. With the proper guidance from teachers and mental health professionals, children can experience healthy development and exhibit positive behavior.

Final Thoughts

Are you struggling to discipline and provide the proper structure for your teen? Liahona Acadamy provides residential programs that can help manage problematic behaviors in teenagers. We use a holistic approach to providing therapy to your child so they can build healthy relationships with their parents and peers. With the help of Liahona Acadamy, your teen will have the right routine and discipline in a safe space that will help with problems such as drug abuse and even contribute to academic success. Contact us today so we can give you the right programs to help with positive discipline and structural boundaries for your teen.