More Tips to Prevent Juvenile Delinquency, Drug and Alcohol Abuse

At the beginning of June, we posted the first part of this article addressing some ideas to help parents prevent juvenile delinquency. With summer vacation in full swing, many Utah parents are looking for more tips, so we are pleased to offer a continuation of that article. Be prepared. This time it’s not about your kids. While the activities mentioned in the first part of this article are essential if you want to prevent juvenile delinquency, how you interact with your child is also key.

To Prevent Juvenile Delinquency, Examine Your Part in the Process

Summer can be a tricky time for parenting. Suddenly kids are no longer in the protective walls of the school building, but just because they are home doesn’t mean parents can suddenly take summer off from work. You heard that keeping kids busy over the summer is helpful for keeping them out of trouble. So you got your teenager a summer job. Maybe you even signed them up for piano lessons… or even something they wanted to do. Still they are causing problems. So what else can you do to prevent juvenile delinquency? The answer is to look at your interactions when you are home.

For most teens, testing boundaries is a normal part of growing up. They are figuring out who they are and shedding off the restrictions of childhood. The parents’ role in this process can’t be overstated. Here are a few ideas to consider when dealing with your teen’s behavior:

• Set reasonable limits. Kids need to know the limits of proper behavior. The earlier parents starts, the easier it will be to maintain in the future and help to prevent juvenile delinquency. However, as children grow older, your justifications for rules can’t just be “because I told you so.” Be prepared to explain your rules and restrictions and remember that as hard as it may seem, they aren’t little kids anymore and limits should be age-appropriate. Finally, make sure you stick by your limits and punishments if they are broken.
• Be willing to negotiate. Again, they aren’t your little babies anymore. Wherever possible, include your teenager in rule making (and this includes consequences). Most teenagers will appreciate being a part of the process. Make sure they know that demonstration of maturity equals more privileges, and allow them to negotiate what privileges they would like to see expanded when they prove they are ready.
• Communicate effectively. Many parents think that communication with teenagers is either impossible or terrifying, but if handled right, it’s your greatest tool. As with people of all ages, the time and approach are critical to effective communication. Trying to talk when emotions are skyrocketing and tempers are flaring rarely produces anything good. Likewise, if they are busy when you approach them, don’t expect them to stop what they’re doing immediately to talk. Finally, start on a positive note. Tell them things you are proud of before moving into areas that need to be worked on.

Unfortunately, there is no one golden guide book to raising teenagers. It takes time and practice, and mistakes are inevitable. Remember to be human and admit to those mistakes when you make them.

Be understanding when your teenager pushes the boundaries. Again, they are trying to find their own identity. However, you shouldn’t have to go it alone if your teenager seems to be out of control. Contact a school counselor for additional advice or suggestions on how to prevent juvenile delinquency. Most counselors keep summer hours.

If your child has gone beyond simple delinquency and is in trouble with the law, definitely don’t try to go it alone. Contact an experienced and trusted juvenile defense attorney who will have your child’s best interests in mind.