Shane Petersen, CEO of the LifeLine for Youth Program, talked about working with youth for more than 25 years through Lifeline for Youth. LifeLine is a family counseling and treatment center for troubled youth struggling with drug use, school failure, family conflict, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and anything else that is getting in the way of them being happy and successful. Shane said parents often want to know what they should do to keep their kids out of trouble, or how to recognize the warning signs when their teen is in trouble. He says there is no `silver bullet` answer, but important keys for parents:
Open communication - talk often about what they are doing, what their friends are doing. Talk about drugs and alcohol and your expectations.
Avoid creating shame for their mistakes. Shame creates that sense of failure that makes them far more likely to make more poor choices.
Know who their friends - No `Mystery friends` that you haven`t met.
o Warning Signs your teen might be in trouble:
Dropping Grades
Truancies
Change in Appearance
Change in Friends
Mood Changes
Change in Sleeping Habits
Family Conflict
Isolation
Distancing From Family
o LifeLine services included Residential Treatment (24-hour care), Day Treatment, and Intensive Outpatient, which is an after-school program for teens.
• Free consultation available at LifeLine for Youth
www.lifelineforyouth.com
801-936-4000
