Keep Teens Out of Trouble Over the Summer

Summer vacation is a time when boredom and curiosity lead to trouble but there are many ways to keep teens out of trouble over the summer. Many teens try drugs for the first time over summer vacation, and many escalate their risky behaviors to the next level. Is this the summer your child will go from trying marijuana to using hallucinogens or harder drugs? Or the summer your teen will lose touch with childhood friends to start hanging out with a “cool” older crowd? 

During the year, teens are most likely to engage in risky behaviors after school between 3-5 p.m. In the summer months, when the days are long and the weather is warm, the window of risk-taking is even larger. For example, in June and July, the rate of teen marijuana use spikes, according to research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The lack of structure and supervision, added freedom and more time with friends increases teens’ access to (and temptation to use) drugs and alcohol × Alcohol
al·co·hol n.noun a colorless volatile flammable liquid that is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks, and is also used as an industrial solvent and as fuel. When ingested, alcohol can be a deadly intoxicant. Teens and adults alike are more prone to make fateful and negative choices while drinking alcohol. A deadly intoxicant, alcohol has destroyed and ripped apart the lives of millions and yet, remains to be the drug of choice of troubled teens nationwide. Teenage minds are not yet able to fully appreciate the dangers that coincide with drinking. When drunk, teenagers commit and act out heinous activities which they would normally never commit or act out. Teenage pregnancy, driving under the influence, fighting and other consequences are more likely to occur while teens drink. Parents of teenage boys or girls who drink occasionally or struggle with the addiction of alcohol, need to seek immediate treatment for their son or daughter.
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The ailing economy has given teens even more free time, promoting further risk-taking. With more competition and fewer jobs to go around, the unemployment rate among adolescents × Adolescents
Adolescents /ad.o.les.cent/ n.Noun The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the term adolescent as a young person living in the transitional period between the years of puberty and adulthood until they reach the age of full maturity. Adolescents or teenagers, are living in a turbulent and trying time in a person's lifetime. If ill prepared, teens may flounder or display negative behaviors at home. Adolescents are prone to negative behaviors such as, drug and alcohol abuse and other chemical dependencies, sexual misconduct or acting out, failing grades at school and disrespect towards authority. It is for this reason that parents of adolescents need to be particularly mindful when they reach their teenage years. If a teenager is struggling during thus time of adolescence it, is crucial for parents to seek the right care for their son or daughter.    During this time, people are typically more susceptible to negative behaviors and dangerous habits.
has soared to 24 percent, the highest it has been since 1965. Because many parents work full-time or have other obligations, teens tend to spend more time home alone in the summer.

At a time when summer jobs are scarce and public schools are slashing summer school and other programs, teens may seek out a “second family” in their friends, who may encourage more risky behavior.

Planning to Keep Teens Out of Trouble Over the Summer

So what’s your plan to keep your teen out of trouble this summer? While parents are busy wondering how they’ll keep their kids occupied when school is out, most children and teens have one thing on their mind: summer camp. Parents who want their children to learn new skills over summer vacation, but also want to address certain behaviors that concern them, such as drug or alcohol use or defiance × Defiance
/de·fi·ance/ n.Noun Defiance is defined as an open resistance or bold disobedience.  Defiance is a common act among young teens and children.  Defiance can come in many different forms and different levels. An act of defiance doesn't always mean that there are bigger problems at hands but it is important to pay attention if defiance becomes a big part in a teens behavior.  Defiance can be the cause of many different things often times small but sometimes the problem may be much larger.  Defiant behavior come from problems such as a predisposition or disorder in the brain to a problem of substance abuse.  Smaller acts of defiance can just be the cause of lack of sleep or food or also from problems such as bullying. Defiance can be a good indicator of a more serious problem in a teens life.  It is important to ask questions when signs of defiance are used frequently.
, have found the best of both worlds at wilderness therapy × Wilderness therapy
Wilderness therapy programs are a therapeutic option for troubled teens located outdoors, that assist youth in treating various behavioral and psychological disorders. One expert describes wilderness therapy: "wilderness therapy is the use adventure-based activities and/or adventure-based theory to provide people with emotional and/or behavioral problems with experiences which lead to positive change in their lives." Wilderness therapy is relatively popular among parents of troubled teens, and is considered alternate choice to services such as, programs and boarding schools for troubled teens. Wilderness therapy is becoming an increasingly popular choice among parents of troubled teens. However, like most treatment options, one size does not fit all. Parents interested in sending their child to a wilderness program need to be aware of other options as well. It is crucial to do all the research necessary when deciding on a treatment for troubled teens.
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Wilderness programs do double duty, fulfilling the need to keep teens busy over the summer as well as parents’ desire to get help for their child. At wilderness camp, teens get the campfires, friendships and time outdoors of a traditional summer camp, while having a therapeutic experience that addresses negative behaviors. By helping teens develop social skills, manage their emotions, and improve their communication and relationship-building skills, these programs are more than a summer away from home – they are an investment in the future.