Help teens avoid risky behavior

Wed., Sept. 12, 2007

Barbara Barontini King Features Syndicate

Parents of teens inevitably worry about their children taking part in risky, or even illegal behavior, like smoking or drinking. Fortunately, several strategies can be used at home to help your teen stay safe and make good decisions.

Use these tips from Nancy Diacon, director of the Menninger Adolescent Treatment Program, to keep your teens safe.

“First, keep them busy. Now that school is back in session, this is easier than ever. In addition to the busy school week and accompanying homework, teens can stay busy with extracurricular activities, after-school jobs and volunteer opportunities. Too much downtime can lead to boredom, which can lead to bad behavior.

“Next, set boundaries. Communicate your house rules to your children, and make sure that they know what is acceptable and what isn’t. If your teens challenge a rule, sit down and discuss why they think it’s unfair, and develop a reasonable solution. However, don’t feel compelled to compromise; safety should be your primary concern.

Now that your teens understand the house rules, be sure to enforce them. Determine the consequences of breaking a rule, and make the punishment fit the crime. Don’t overreact and institute a rule that you can’t — or don’t want to — enforce.

“If you suspect your teen is engaging in risky behavior, follow your instinct. Children who are misbehaving could change their normal routine and not act like themselves. Other warning signs include not sleeping or eating, withdrawing from social activities and being irritable.

“Finally, don’t hesitate to seek help. Getting professional help for a troubled teen in the first two to six weeks following a change in behavior offers the best chance for rehabilitation.

“When adolescents develop a trusting relationship with a mental health professional, they can better understand concerns of their parents,” Diacon said.

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