Homeschooling Troubled Teens

If you are considering homeschool as a way to eliminate teenage rebellion, you may be discouraged to hear that almost all teens are rebellious no matter where they gain their educations. However, if your teen is troubled and you are trying to provide an alternative to compulsory education, there are certain benefits that may arise from homeschooling. Troubled teens may be involved in gang activity, violence, risky sexual activity,drugs, alcohol, or any number of other problems. Homeschooling may provide a better environment for teens who struggle these serious issues.

Although all parents want to protect their teens, homeschooling in efforts to cut them off from the rest of the world is not feasible. However, homeschool can produce a safe environment for the purpose of learning, in which your child will be away from the influences of their friends for a period of time. This may be greatly beneficial if their troubles consist of behavior problems at school with peers. Teaching your child at home may provide more serene time in their day when they are not bogged down with their present stresses, giving them the opportunity to see things more clearly. Plus, one-on-one time with your child in homeschool gives you ample time to discuss moral issues, values, and goals on a daily basis.

Homeschool can be a more structured environment than what your teen is used to. Troubled teens who struggle with self esteem and motivation sometimes find greater success while learning inside their home. Emotional growth often takes place when provided with extra family support. Plus, there are fewer distractions when studying in the home. Teens whose trouble has gotten them expelled from public education may respond better to homeschool than an alternative school with other troubled teens. Also, performance may improve as they are able to work at a more customized pace.

On the other hand, many troubled teens are highly rebellious against their parents. Parents may not gain full or even partial cooperation under this circumstance. If a teen fails at homeschool, it may be difficult returning them to the compulsory education system. Also, homeschool requires a great amount of time and effort on the part of the parent and can be expensive.

Overall, there are both advantages and disadvantages to homeschooling your troubled teen. Before deciding to homeschool, be sure to familiarize yourself with your state's guidelines. Also, if your teens trouble is severe, seek professional help for the problem.

Your Teens Education

As your teen enters high school, their academic workload will increase. Keeping up on homework, tackling tough reading assignments, and preparing for standardized tests all become important aspects of their educations. Parents can encourage success and help prepare their children for a post secondary education by staying actively involved in their learning process.

One of the most important aspects of academic success is parent involvement. At the very least, parents should monitor grades and meet with their teens teachers to discuss any major concerns. High school transcripts are used for college placement and scholarship applications. Be sure to reward your teen for academic success and continually emphasize the importance of education. Also, if your teen is struggling to make the grades, there may be resources available through their school. Encourage them to take responsibility to fix their own problems by communicating with their teachers, but be watchful for a time when intervening may become necessary.

In high school, homework becomes less about task completion and more about developing and utilizing effective study skills. Teens will acquire some difficult reading that is assigned to challenge them. Plus, with multiple classes at the same time, many teens will find themselves overwhelmed with exams to study for and papers to write. Providing a quiet place to study and a designated study time may assist them during stressful times. Also, be sure that your teen is performing at their grade level, and seek help if necessary.

Standardized testing is an important part of your teens education. SAT and ACT exams are used for academic assessment and college placement. Cognitive abilities and general knowledge are determined by the results of standardized tests. However, without the appropriate test taking skills, your teen may struggle with test anxiety or poor performance. Many tutorials exist for SAT and ACT testing that can be used in the home. Teens should be encouraged to prepare for these exams at regular intervals for best results.

Child Behavior Charts

Although their rooms aren't always tidy, their backpack always organized, or their faces always clean, structure may be more important to your child than you realize. According to the Child Development Institute that provides the latest information on child development, psychology, parenting, and family life, parents who provide leadership and structure that encourages self-discipline will raise children who are happy, healthy, and successful. Many experts recommend child behavior charts as a way to teach self-discipline and encourage positive behavior modification.

Child behavior charts may be used to encourage good hygiene habits, assign household chores, and track progress with schoolwork. However, the key to their success is to reward each item listed on a behavior chart, so that the child receives positive feedback and continues to develop good habits. For example, many behavior charts operate on a point system, allowing the child to turn in points to receive a reward after a certain period of time. Others may allow the child the chance to earn an allowance, for purchasing their desired toys. The key to having an effective behavior chart is to be organized and use it consistently.

Upon asking one 10-year-old how he feels about his “chore chart”, he explains that he likes it. “It gives me a chance to earn extra money and reminds me exactly what I am supposed to do”, he says. Even at a young age, children appreciate clarity and structure. They can be taught that there is a direct reward or consequence linked to their actions and to take responsibility for themselves to get what they want out of life. Child behavior charts are an excellent way to establish self-discipline in children, getting them to act on their own, while promoting good decision making skills.

Child Behavior Contracts

When child behavior becomes an issue, parents and teachers are resourcefully creating new tactics to combat the situation. In order to gain child cooperation in everything from making the bed to turning in homework, child behavior contracts are being used as an effective tool. Child behavior contracts can work in both homes and schools as a way to encourage positive behavior, while teaching children accountability for their actions. They stand as a written agreement between the child and their authorities, clearly stating what is expected of both parties, alleviating ambiguity, and motivating a positive response.

The key to any child behavior contract is they must be positive and able to acquire the child's cooperation. The theory is that other disciplinary actions do not work because the child is not on board. Child behavior contracts inspire children by allowing them to see the privileges and rewards that come with good behavior. While it is okay to outline a consequence for bad behavior in a child contract, the main focus of this agreement should be assisting the child in earning the things that are important to them.

Whether it be the privilege of participation in an after school sport, acquiring a new video game, playing at recess, earning an allowance, or extra time with friends, it is important to find out what the child desires from life. Next, in order to make effective use of a child contract, the parent or authority over the child must present it in a positive light that clearly explains to the child that the contract will help them achieve their desired rewards. Proper execution and follow through of child contracts will ensure child cooperation and positive behavior modifications.