My teen has started to be defiant and challenge me, would a short, sharp shock help?

If your teenager has just started to act out, then this is the best time to assert your authority and quickly intervene to put them back on the right path. All teenagers act out a bit, it is in their nature, but most teens seem to figure it out and get back on track when they realize the importance of study and their future. However, some teens never seem to get past the effect of their hormones, and seem to lose all sense of structure and self discipline. These teens may benefit from a swift intervention to get them back on track.

Answer the following questions to see if your teen is a possible candidate for this approach.

• Is your teen moody and unhappy?


• Have they withdrawn from family life?


• Do they seem uninterested in what is going on around them?

If you have answered yes to these first three questions your teenager may be heading towards depressive behavior and needs therapy and help. A short sharp shock approach may do them more harm than good.

• Is your teen argumentative and defiant, but will eventually listen?


• Is your teens' room a mess and they find it amusing this angers you?


• Does your teen tend to sleep in at weekends and lie around "chilling" unless pushed to do something?


• Are your teens' grades beginning to slip?


• Does your teen always leave schoolwork to the last minute?


• Is your teen generally lazy and unhelpful?


• Does your teen argue a lot with their siblings?

If generally the answer to the above is YES, then your teens behavior needs addressing before it becomes ingrained and they find themselves failing at school, which will lead to other problems. Your teenager may benefit from a teen boot camp, even for a short period of time, or a behavior modification program that focuses on self discipline. See below for some suggestions of available programs.

• Wilderness programs - designed to challenge the teen and enable them to develop skills of survival. Also will work on their team building skills and self discipline, in an environment where their confidence is improved as they overcome obstacles.


• At home therapy programs - designed to be used by the whole family to transform the way that they interact with each other and teach the teen the meaning of respect.


• Teen boot camp - a very structured environment where obeying orders is a must! These may not suit a fragile teen, or one who could struggle with the physical challenges, and may face humiliation if they fail. Good for lazy teens who can't be bothered!

Before you send your teen away, or undergo any therapy, make sure that you have plenty of information on the programs available, by checking other articles on this site, Boot Camps For Teens and following the links.