Which alternatives seem most likely to help a troubled teen live a better life?

Answer 1

Providing them with the support they need, whether parental, school, therapy, etc. Some troubled teens find success with wilderness therapy programs. The combination of experiential education and wilderness treatment can help to boost self-esteem as well as address more serious issues.

Here's one example of a therapeutic wilderness program called Odyssey Wilderness Programs: http://www.odysseynw.com

There are number of alternative programs for troubled teens like wilderness therapy, troubled teen boarding school, teen boot camps etc but Parents need to analyze the core issues and do some searches so that they can effectively plan their teen future. Besides, their are following suggestions for families that need to tighten up their family rules and structure.

There a couple of things that need to take into account for better setting limits for teens and effectively applying them. As Limits and rules are critical in the development of safety, growth, and fulfillment of individuals or groups. No segment of society can properly function without rules.

When setting rules for troubled teens you need to create several layers of preventative rules to assist your teen. Conflict is inevitable with troubled or defiant teens. Therefore, consistently addressing and resolving conflicts over small issues or preventative rules such as homework, chores, dress, grooming, type of friends, curfew and dating, is your best preventative measure to avoid the large, devastating issues such as teen pregnancy, substance abuse and failing grades. "Take care of the small things, and the big things will take care of themselves", really applies when it comes to administrating rules.

You should also read this helpful article which discusses the various options available to the parents of a troubled teen called 'Effective Methods To Manage Out Of Control Teens: A Help Guide For Every Parent':

http://info.e-tomes.com/effective-methods-to-manage-out-of-control-teens-a-help-guide-for-every-parent/