FEBRUARY 2004 ISSUE

Being a teenager is not an easy thing. Adolescents feels all kinds of pressure to do well in school, to gain the approval of their parents, to make the team and to be cool or with the in crowd.

Many of today’s teenagers have other special problems. For example, they may be worried about a parent’s job (layoffs, commute to job) or the family’s financial future.

Teenagers may also be hurt or confused by the parents divorce, loss of a parent or how to deal with a parent’s illness, alcoholism or drug abuse. Despite all of these pressures, it is important to remember that most teens grow into healthy adults.

Many parents worry when their teenagers have problems. This can cause the teen to be sad, disruptive, rebellious, inattentive or unable to cope with things or get involved in drugs or alcohol.

You may also be concerned about your teenager’s eating and/or sleeping patterns and how they get along with family, friends and how they’re doing in school.

Some parents/families may delay seeking help for their teens for fear they will be blamed. Feeling responsible for your child’s problems is a normal sign of caring and love.

There are often many causes for the problems our children and teenagers are experiencing. Sometimes the problems are not known, but they can be treated.

With help, parents and families can understand that they should not blame themselves for their child or teenager’s problems. For more information, contact Roy York @ 905-641-6559 or pager 905-704-5768