The Marriage Counseling Blog

Everyone jokes about juvenile behavior, but the truth is that adolescents everywhere act out once in a while. But what about extreme behavior? When should a parent seek help for her teenager’s unruly behavior?

This is a difficult issue for many parents. It’s important to understand that adolescents are trying to grow into adulthood and achieve their independence. That is why there is often conflict between the adolescent and his or her parents. The adolescent is trying to grow up too fast while the parent is trying to prevent her baby from getting hurt or from maturing too fast too soon. Both sides of the conflict usually have some good points yet mistakes are often made.

Adolescent behavior issues can become a problem if someone’s safety is at issue or if the behavior walks a fine line with the law. If your adolescent is drinking and driving or engaging in other unsafe behavior then that could be a sign that therapy is necessary. If a teenager is breaking the law then that might also indicate that counseling should be sought.

Instead of seizing upon individual events, try to focus on behavior patterns. A one time event does not necessarily dictate a need for counseling, but a series of events – particularly if the behavior is uncharacteristic of the adolescent – may.

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy has resources available to you if you believe that your adolescent son or daughter may be in trouble with the law or headed for trouble. Use the resources wisely.

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