Giving Your Teen Time Away

No comments

Sometime during adolescence, virtually every child goes through their ‘teenage’ stage. For some this means becoming a recluse, moody and surly, while others act out in school or at home. Most kids have their teenage indulgences, but then there are kids who become truly troubled. Dealing with a troubled teen can take a toll on every aspect of life, and sometimes the only option becomes giving the child time away to figure themselves out. A change of setting and time away can often work wonders that no therapy can replace. It’s a good idea to work out an arrangement that won’t disrupt your child’s life, but will give them some supervised ‘me’ time.

Summer Camp

Summer camp comes in many shapes and forms, with some focusing on specific talents and skills, and others providing a general atmosphere of relaxation and fun. If your child has no specific talents or hobbies, even a regular summer camp in a relaxed setting with people who don’t know his past and the beauty of nature, can work wonders. It provides an outlet for your child to let go, explore the wild, and forge new friendships. Be sure to check that the camp is well supervised, with a good program, while still providing a measure of freedom. It’s also good to choose a camp that is a few hours’ drive away, not too close and not too far.

Bonding with Relatives

Relatives who live in another city may offer the perfect escape for a teen that’s sick of his own family. If tickets are too expensive, there are many ways to finance them using credit card points and miles. Some have found it worth their while to sell frequent flyer miles for cash, which is then used to book convenient tickets. Either way, the right relatives can offer a retreat that is supervised and comfortable, but not too close to home.

Teen Retreat

Teen retreats are more than summer camp. They offer camp-like activities, like hiking, swimming, and canoeing, as well as more different activities, such as working in the organic garden and helping out in the kitchen. Teen retreats are geared to help troubled teens by offering fun activities and tools that will help the kids find self-worth and an ‘inner compass.’ While teen retreats may be pricey, travelling expenses can be financed by selling frequent flyer miles, and sometimes financial arrangements can be worked out with the management.

Sometimes a teen can become too much to handle. That’s okay, and it’s important to know when it’s time to give up and give your teen some time away to work things out. By working with credit card points and airline miles travel expenses can easily be paid for, allowing for a break for your teen and some breathing room for your family.

Summer Dreaming – 5 Great Reasons to Send Your Child on a Summer Camp(rescueyouth.com)
Are Frequent Flyer Miles Worth It? How to Convince Your Spouse(travelsort.com)
Social and Emotional Development Teens Ages 13 – 18(parentingteens.about.com)
Summer Camps Make Kids Resilient(stacyknows.com)
Westcoast Connection Summer Camp(rescueyouth.com)

Disclaimer

Rescue Youth is committed to providing a directory that is accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive. All information provided is considered accurate as of the date indicated for each business record. Users of this Directory are advised that this information is provided as a general reference only. Rescue Youth assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein, and do not assume any liability resulting from errors or omissions. Inclusion or omission of business or organization is not a comment on its quality. Inclusion of a company or organization on the Rescue Youth Website does not constitute endorsement, or recommendations of their products or services.

Most of the programs listed on this website are not regulated by the federal government, and many are not subject to state licensing or monitoring as mental health or educational facilities, either. A 2007 Report to Congress by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found cases involving serious abuse and neglect at some of these programs. Many programs advertise on the Internet and through other media, making claims about staff credentials, the level of treatment a participant will receive, program accreditation, education credit transfers, success rates, and endorsements by educational consultants. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, cautions that before you enroll a youngster in a private residential treatment program, check it out: ask questions; ask for proof or support for claims about staff credentials, program accreditation, and endorsements; do a site visit; and get all policies and promises in writing. Click here for questions to ask before you enroll your child in any program.

Originally posted 2012-03-27 13:09:26.