Worried about rebel teenagers? Here are 8 warning signs that your rebellious teenager may in fact be in trouble.
A rebel teenager is someone who challenges authority and societal norms, often through rebellious behavior and attitudes. They may reject traditional values and rules, and may engage in activities that are considered unconventional or even illegal. Rebel teenagers may also have a strong sense of individualism and may resist conforming to societal expectations. They may be seen as troublemakers or nonconformists, but they often have a strong sense of self and a desire to challenge the status quo.
I’m a mom of 3 boys, and my oldest with ADHD, now a wonderful young man, 19 at the time and working hard both physically and mentally, sadly he ticked all the boxes, including running away. I know how alone you must feel, the frustration, doubting yourself. Just know, my inbox in Instagram and Facebook are always open.
In a world faced with more teen suicide than ever before, we need to act and not react to our children’s needs. We need to stay alert as to what our children are being exposed to and create an environment for them to thrive in.
Parents are becoming helpless when it comes to knowing what their children truly need. But guess what? We are not helpless. It’s time we understand our influence on our children and make sure we are doing everything we can to equip them to succeed mentally and emotionally.
So let’s chat about rebel teenagers….
Ah teenagers…they are indeed the little bump in the road when it comes to parenting. You thought toddlers was going to be the biggest challenge...
You may have enjoyed playing with legos, read out loud and playground meet ups with friends and their moms, until this point in time and suddenly realized that all the sudden all the rules have changed, and you feel like you don’t even know how to play the game anymore.
If you have a teen, it is sometimes difficulty to know where their head is at if they aren’t particularly vocal with their feelings (and lots of teens aren’t).
Your teenager could be in serious trouble, but it’s not always easy to recognize it.
FYI: Teenagers are masters at hiding their issues and emotions.
If you’re worried your teenager might be in trouble, consider these warning signs:
REBEL TEENAGERS
TIP # 1 – Isolation from friends and family.
If your teenager suddenly chooses to be isolated from friends and family, then you may want to ask questions.
* An outgoing teen who suddenly becomes reclusive and avoids others may be hiding trouble. A sudden change in behavior can be a serious warning sign. If you notice this in your teen, it’s important to explore it.
*Your teenager may be hiding in their room more often because they don’t want you to see them using drugs, alcohol, or other substances (or the after effects of these actions).
It’s important to note that not all teenagers seeking more privacy are dealing with serious problems, but if you found my page, and read the headline, you must have reason for concern, always listen to your gut, the little voice telling you something is off, usually is right.
REBEL TEENAGERS
TIP # 2 – Extreme mood swings.
It’s normal for teenagers to have mood swings because of changing hormones.
However, extreme mood swings that include aggression and violence are warning signs.
The teenager may be experiencing serious health issues, drug issues, peer pressure, or other concerns so it’s important just to keep an eye on this.
Hormone changes can cause your teen to shift moods quickly. This is very, very normal! However, these mood swings shouldn’t be scary or overwhelming to you.
REBEL TEENAGERS
TIP # 3 – Taking unusual risks.
Teenagers may want to push boundaries and explore their world.
However, if your teen starts taking unusual risks that aren’t part of his or her typical behavior, this could be a sign to be on the alert.
Extreme risk taking can be a warning sign your teenager is in trouble.
These troubles can range from drug or alcohol abuse to serious peer pressure.
REBEL TEENAGERS
TIP # 4 – Falling grades.
If your straight-A student suddenly starts to get failing grades, it’s important to find out why.
o A teenager who suddenly stops paying attention in class or stops doing homework may be in trouble. Teens may earn different grades throughout high school, but sudden and dramatic changes could be warning signs. Your teen may even drop out of school.
Try to see if you can pinpoint the reason for the change. Is their material they are struggling to understand? Are they not connecting with their teachers? Is there something that is causing them to be more distracted?
Are they being bullied? Is there a chance they could be suffering from depression? Also look into you, and their father's family history, is there a background of abuse of depression? What help do they need from you to get them back on track?
REBEL TEENAGERS
TIP # 5 – Strange new friends.
Did your teenager suddenly stop being friends with their old friends and join a new group?
Are you concerned about the new friends they have chosen and their influence on the teen? o Occasionally new friends may be a sign of trouble if they’re pressuring your teen or offering drugs and alcohol. New friends however can also be a sign that the teen is simply growing and changing.
FYI: There is nothing wrong with your teen
growing and making new friends – this is a good thing in fact if their friends bring out the best in your teen. Again it’s all about balance, are these friends same aged? Where does your child meet these new friends all of the sudden. Showing interest could experienced as “bugging” behavior for your teen, but if there’s nothing to hide, these questions should be perfectly fine and normally answered.
It’s just important to carefully evaluate your teen’s closest friends if they are the cause of negative changes in their behavior.
REBEL TEENAGERS
TIP # 6 – Sudden issues with memory.
Let’s be honest we are all forgetful at time and teens may forget things on occasion, but teenagers who frequently forget everything may be in trouble.
This could be a sign of drug and alcohol abuse.
It can also be a sign of mental health issues and other physical health issues.
Something to just keep an eye on!
REBEL TEENAGERS
TIP # 7 – Paranoia.
Is your teen suddenly suspicious of everything and everyone around them?
They may be suffering inside, but unable to adequately express it.
o Paranoia and suspicion can be signs of mental health issues. They can also accompany drug and alcohol abuse. I’m not going to sugar coat this one….
REBEL TEENAGERS
TIP # 8 – Destructive behavior.
Destructive behavior can range from physically demolishing furniture at home to other issues such as hurting themselves.
FYI: If your teenager starts to hurt animals, family members, friends, or themselves, then it’s time to intervene.
They may also try to destroy property and physical items, which is obviously not appropriate and why you need to step in.
It’s important to take action before the destructive behavior leads to arrests or hospitalizations. The teenager’s actions may even create permanent and lasting damage that hurts others. These are massive red flags that should not be ignored! I should note that for the most part, teenagers may cause you a little grief (totally normal teenage behavior) but if it oversteps the line and the warning bells are constantly ringing that something more serious might be at the root cause of their behavior, trust your gut instinct. Don’t be shy to ask for help, read books and look into therapy if this doesn’t work.
REBEL TEENAGERS
Teenagers may try to hide the seriousness of their situation but as their parent, you can still do what you can to help steer them in the right direction.
* Once you learn the warning signs, then it’s so much easier to recognize if and when your teen is struggling in a way that needs more and help them.
*As I always say once you know help is needed, you can offer it.
*Once you know better, you can do better.
1. Communicate openly and actively listen: Teenagers often struggle with expressing their thoughts and feelings, so it is important to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for them to open up. Listen to what they have to say without interrupting or dismissing their feelings.
2. Set clear boundaries and expectations: Teenagers need structure and guidance, so it is important to establish clear rules and consequences for their actions. Be consistent and follow through with consequences when necessary.
3. Respect their independence: As teenagers are going through a stage of development where they are seeking more independence, it is important to respect their need for autonomy. Allow them to make their own decisions and give them space to learn from their mistakes.
And boy, I could write a book the mistakes my oldest made. But sometimes they are needed, although nobody wants so see their child suffer like I did.
Comments