If you have tried to call the television station after a moving experience watching a mouthy child turned around in a weekend, to find where that child was sent, you may have difficulty finding out exactly where the troubled child was sent. We have also experienced the same frustration. Many times what you see on television is for entertainment purposes. Watching a spoiled child scream obscenities at their parents is good for television ratings. We have had many parents call us trying to point them in the direction of the boot camp they have just seen on a dramatic, "what can I do with my defiant teen program" on a talk show. These camps may exist, and may have some success but our opinion remains that in order for a program to be effective it really should be long term. It is highly doubtful that any long term changes will be made in a child's behavior in a weekend or even a month. Behavior modification takes a long time to become effective. In summary we believe that short term boot camps may not be as effective as long term options.

How can I get my teen into a boot camp?

Many states have made laws that legally tie parents' hands, while trying to correct their children. In some states, when a child reached 14 the parent can no longer force them to do anything. This brings up the question, "if I live in a state where my child has more rights than I do, how can I get them the help they need?" We work with several different teen transport companies. They are trained to come to your home and remove your child and safely escort them to the program or school of your choice. If you are able to convince your child to accompany you to the program, this is the preferred way to get them there. In cases where the child will not go willingly, we can help you make arrangements to have them transported. If you already know that they will refuse to go, it is better not to ask them at all, but to call for help.

Troubled Teen Warning Signs

A child that suddenly begins to exhibit a defiant belligerent attitude has probably fallen in with a new group of friends. This defiance itself is not the core issue but a sign of what is really going on. This new power is something that the child has learned. It could be something they learned in school or something a friend may be telling them. Defiance will not only make life miserable at home but will usually lead to expulsion from school, and eventually legal troubles if left unchecked.If your child's grades take a sharp turn for the worse this is usually one of the first indicators that something is wrong. This change usually takes place because the child has changed friends, or that their priorities have changed. Many children develop an "I don't care attitude". This again may be coming from what they are being told by their new friends. Over the years we have talked to many parents and it is our belief that marijuana abuse is a contributor to the "I don't care attitude." Change In Appearance

If the apparel of your child should take a dramatic change again, they probably have a new set of friends. The variation of extreme clothing changes can range from all black, to chains, and even more provocative styles of dress. The all black look is usually associated with what is referred to as the Gothic look. Care should be taken to closely monitor a child with this new look as innocent as it seems, it is definitely not a good direction for them to be headed in. Obviously a girl who begins to dress more provocatively is more than likely sexually active or may be interested in becoming so. A child who wears all of the same color of clothing may be investigating becoming associated with a gang. They will usually deny it but it again is something that should be closely monitored. New Music In most cases a change in life style will be accompanied by a change in musical preference. It would be wise to jot down the names of the artists a child is listening to and research them on the internet. Much can be learned about a child's lifestyle by learning about what and who they are listening to for entertainment.

This factor mentioned in almost every change above is worth discussing on its own. If a child has switched from childhood friends and is spending more time with friends that you don't know, it would be beneficial to get to know who your child is spending their time with. We believe if a child is not bringing his or her new friends home for their parents to meet, the parent should be concerned. One good way to find out what is going on with your child would be to ask his or her previous group of friends how your child is doing? In most cases they will be wondering the same thing. They will probably be concerned and may even be able to give you information on what kind of people the new friends are.