Troubled Teens Resources

In many ways, the myriad number of troubled teens who are struggling with drug addictions and behavioral problems can be attributed to the progressive teaching philosophies that have gone towards creating the present day “wisdom” that teenagers must be spared hurt feelings. That they should be spared the experience of defeat or the trials of failure.

Little League teams have adopted rules where no one wins so that no one has to go through the experience of loosing. The standard grading system has given way to measures that will not allow for an “F” and where papers marked with red ink are prohibited. We are witnessing the consequences of this kid glove treatment in the inability of the young adolescent to cope with stress or criticism or failure, who have unrealistic expectations for a life without obstacles or struggle.

“True learning involves making mistakes, which often leaves children frustrated. Frustration requires a level of determination to see the problem through. Unfortunately, many children lack a sense of resolve and give up on a task immediately if they don’t get it the first time, thinking that it’s too hard, or worse, that they’re “stupid”. Why is this? One theory is that our “drill and kill” methods have eliminated the development of creative problem solving, teaching children that there is one and only one answer to most problems. Unable to get the one “right” answer, they lack the motivation to try alternate strategies.”
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One of the many lessons a good, accredited troubled teen boarding school provides is to teach teenagers the vital coping skills without which they are sitting ducks for the type of temptation that the drug culture offers.

The parents job is not to protect teenagers from the rough spots but to teach them how to  work through them without inflicting damage on themselves or others.