REBEL TEENAGERS

 

Rebel Teenagers – 8 Signs Your Teen Is In Trouble

Worried about rebel teenagers? Here are 8 warning signs that your rebellious teenager may in fact be in trouble.

 

 

Let’s chat about rebel teenagers.

Ah teenagers…they are indeed the little bump in the road when it comes to parenting.

You may have had the smoothest sailing 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 (a game you once had sort of mastered).

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).

 

REBEL TEENAGERS

 

 

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

 

 

REBEL TEENAGERS

TIP # 4 – Falling grades.

 

If your straight-A student suddenly starts to get failing grades, it’s important to find out why.  

 

  • 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? 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?  

 

  • 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 intrinsically 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. 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

 

 

 

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.

 

  • Paranoia and suspicion can be signs of mental health issues. They can also accompany drug and alcohol abuse.

 

REBEL TEENAGERS

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

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