| Troubled teens. They're always somebody else's kids--right? Maybe not. You had always hoped to see your child survive adolescence without too many bumps along the way. You did all the right things you knew to do as a parent.
But despite your best efforts, your kid's in trouble. And all those simple answers you once had about how to handle teenage problems don't seem so simple anymore.
Dr. Scott Larson and his wife have spent nine years taking kids from juvenile jails into their home. He knows the questions parents in pain are desperately asking: Where should we stand firm and where should we compromise? Should we let the law intervene? Is it time to tell my teen to leave home? How can we trust a child who has betrayed our trust so many times? How can we be sure we're doing the right thing?
Dr. Larson addresses these and numerous other critical issues that must be faced when teens stray. His insights draw from biblical principles, recent social and psychological research, and years of personal and professional experience dealing with troubled teens. The result is a realistic, sensible plan of action, not just for parents, but for all adults who care for rebellious teenagers--grandparents, foster parents, teachers, youth workers, counselors, and pastors.
7 common myths parents hold about their kids:
• If I do the “right” things, my children will turn out fine.
• My child just needs more discipline.
• If it worked for our other children, it should work for this one.
• My child is causing trouble at school because he’s ornery.
• This child can no longer be trusted.
• Given enough time and space, my child will “grow out of it.”
6 common myths parents hold about themselves:
• If I just prayed more, my child would change.
• I can get my child to change if I don’t give up.
• If “such and such” happens, I won’t make it.
• My home should be a haven of peace.
• If I weren’t a single parent, my child wouldn’t have these problems.
• My children are a direct reflection on me.
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