Troubled Teens Resources

Teen help in the service of others can develop a very important characteristic that will go far in developing self-respect as well as respect for others; empathy.

The emotionally immature person, which addicts always are, is naturally narcissistic as well. The last thing they think about is how their behavior will harm those around them and hurt their family deeply. Something as seemingly simple as teaching a self-absorbed teenager that they are not the only people with problems can be a form of teen crisis intervention in and of itself.

“Lack of empathy has been cited as a possible factor in the development of antisocial behaviors, including bullying. An inability to recognize and care about the plight of the victim leaves the bullier unable to experience guilt and gives him little reason to change his behavior. By helping to develop empathy skills, we help kids become better human beings.”

Linda Carney at Suite 101 has a good post covering some of the way parents can coach their kids towards learning empathy. She buys additional school supplies to donate to her kids’ schools, allowing her two younger children to grasp that not everyone has what they have. Teenagers can get involved in their churches’ various outreach programs or join in with community efforts designed to help elderly folks with property upkeep. The point is for teens at risk to get out of their own skin and understand the plight of those who need help.

“Service projects give kids the chance to give back to others less fortunate. In addition to monetary and other donations, gifts of ones time and talent help kids feel competent and important in the world. These types of projects often also give kids the chance to work directly with the people they are helping, enabling kids to start to identify with them. This helps to further their empathy development.”

(Source)