Help For Struggling Teens

To All Concerned Parents/ Family Members

Recognizing patterns and seeking help for our children is vital, in that early intervention is the utmost important "action" one can inititate to curtail behavioral problems. At times the choices our youth make are "risky", "determental" and "life-threatening". There is tribal assistance available and it's time for parents to step-up!

We can assist by providing material on Youth of today and the issues they face...and importantly...we recognize that tribal youth require services that are geared toward their tribal culture, family values and the counseling techniques are to be tailored as such, not as main stream society. (importantly & imperative to emphasize "pride" with being of Indian descendent)

I didn't imply that an intervention would be "easy "or "fun", it could be one of the most"stressful" events you'll experience, however, the results can be "Life Changing"" for the entire family.

The goal is to provide Professional Youth Counseling Services to the Indian Youth & Family. Family issues are part of "life", we all experience difficulty at times, that's no secret....and it's okay to seek assistance...we seek "tune-up" assistance for our vehicles...although we value our family more than a car....or I would hope so...maybe a little "tune-up" is due for your youth & family? Think about it....it's a valuable investment...we are here...not going anywheres...however...time is running...and every minute counts when it involves the future of our families...

Again, Parenting is an enormous responsibility. However, with the assistance of trained & experienced professionals we will be glad to assist.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing difficulty with a teen, take a few moments and answer the following questionnaire. This can serve as a point of reference for you in understanding the severity of the problems your teen is currently facing. Sometimes the problems are so severe that they can only be properly addressed by getting professional help. Other times problems can be resolved right in the home by setting better limits and tightening up the basic family rules and structure. 

Questionaire

After completing the questionnaire refer to the scoring guide which will offer suggestions, and recommendations based on the results of your own responses. Note: Answer Yes to questions that apply to your situation.

                                                                                                                                                      Yes

1. Does your teen struggle with basic family rules and expectations?        

2. Has your teen ever been suspended, expelled, truant, or had a drop in school grades?

3. Is your teen verbally abusive?

4. Does your teen associate with a bad peer group?

5. Has your teen lost interest in former productive activities, hobbies or sports?

6. Do you have difficulty getting your teen to do simple household chores or homework?

7. Has your teen had problems with the law?

8. Do you find yourself picking your words carefully when speaking to your teen, so as not to elicit a verbal attack or rage from them? (or vice-versa)

9. Are you worried that your teen may not finish high school?

10 .Does your teen seem depressed/withdrawn?

11. Has your teen's appearance and/or personal hygiene changed?

12. Does your teen ever display violent behavior?

13. Is your teen manipulative and/or deceitful?

14. Does your teen seem to demonstrate a lack of motivation?

15. Do you suspect that your teen sometimes lies or is dishonest with you?

16. Are you concerned that your teen may be sexually promiscuous?

17. Has your teen ever displayed any evidence of suicide ideation?

18. Do you suspect at times you have had money or other valuables"taken" from your home?

19. Does your teen's behavior concern you for their safety?

20. Is your teen angry or display temper outbursts?

21. Does your teen seem to lack self-esteem and self-worth?

22. Do you have a lack of trust with your teen?

23. Does your teen have problems with authority?

24. Does your teen engage in activities you don't approve of?

25. Do you think your teen is possibly using or experimenting with drugs/alcohol?

26. Are you concerned about your child's well being and their future?

27. Does your teen seem to constantly be in opposition to your family values?

28. No matter what rules and consequences are established, do you feel that your teen will defy them?

29. Are you exhausted and worn out from your teen's defiant and/or destructive behavior and choices?

30. When dealing with your teen, do you often feel that you are powerless?

Questionnaire Score Card

18+ High Risk!

Get help! A Professional Counselor is strongly recommended.

9-17 Borderline Risk!

The problems may be resolved by tightening up family rules and structure. However, a Professiona Youth Counselor may need to be considered.

1-8 Moderate Risk!   

 Tighten up family rules/understandings, be consistent with your monitoring, and follow through.