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Troubled Teens and Routines

One practice that will help a teen struggling with behavior issues is, a structured routine. When a teen is admitted into a troubled teen boot camp, that is the first shock they are confronted with. They are put on a tight schedule with a daily list of events and activities they will are expected to go to. This can include school, physical fitness, and even a time blocked out to d what they want. The routine and schedule for a troubled teen in a boarding school looks something like this:

7:00 Rise and shine
7:30 Shower and personal hygiene
8:00 Breakfast
8:30 Breakfast clean up doing dishes wiping tables etc.
9:00 School
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Lunch clean up doing dishes etc.
1:00 Back to school
4:00 School ends
4:30 Free time or home work if work didn’t get finished during the day
5:30 Dinner
6:00 Dinner clean up dishes etc.
6:30 Group meetings AA, NA, counseling
8:00 Free time to relax or complete school work from the day
9:00 Lights out students can read in bed

Teen Routines and Expectations

It may be difficult to establish a routine like the one above from home. It’s definitely a change that will happen when your child is admitted into any type of troubled teen program, teen boot camp, or specialty school for defiant teens. Program owners have determined that keeping a child busy doing positive things is one of the best ways to help them. This also creates a positive atmosphere for teens that have never had any structure or discipline. It is surprising how much school work a teen can accomplish when they can see free time, or an activity they really want to participate in on the schedule.

Which Teen Program is Right?

If things have deteriorated and you are in need of a placement option, there are many options available to you. Programs range from traditional boarding schools to very strict boot camp type options. We are able to help you sort through the options and types of programs. Financial concerns are usually the limiting factor when trying to find help. Programs range in price from around 3,000 a month and up. Some programs offer hardship or scholarships that can significantly reduce the monthly price. There are even some loans that may be available, if you have good credit.

Divorce and Defiant Teens

Any change in the family structure can create a crisis. Many teens blame both of their parents when a divorce is creating havoc in the family. The teen only knows that things are not right and that they don’t like the conflict that is taking place. They may still love both parents, they have a terrible time trying to decide whose side to take. In reality they should still love both parents. This is only true if abuse has not been a part of the divorce. When a parent is physically or verbally abusing the teen or spouse, some type of separation is critical.