The choice to send a child to the right boarding school for boys is not one made lightly. There are many factors that go into the decision, especially when other options have been exhausted.

But for parents with a son who is struggling, whether from behavioral issues or mental disorders, can be incredibly stressful for the entire family. Boarding schools can offer parents a beacon of hope when all other resources fail to help their troubled sons.

Why Choose a Boarding School?

A boarding school that is based around a therapeutic structure will offer routines meant to help your child develop much-needed habits. They will learn discipline, be exposed to behavioral and cognitive therapy and even learn skills like empathy that might not come naturally to them.

This new environment will also break patterns of bad behavior by giving them a change of scenery and limiting contact with negative influences. They will spend more time with peers who have similar struggles, with a staff trained to help them learn healthier coping mechanisms and ways to process and express their emotions.

If these are things you think can help your son, there are several resources you can access to ensure you find the right boarding school for your troubled boy.

Your Son’s Team

One of the best resources you have at your disposal is your son’s team of medical and educational professionals. If you are considering a boarding school, there is a good chance you have already been working with mental health professionals. Therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and educators will often have lists of well-known, safe boarding school programs which have helped other boys.

Local Support Groups

You are not the first family to face this difficulty. If you have not yet found one, discovering local support groups centered around your teen’s issues is a great way to build a network of trusted friends who know what you are going through.

Many of them will have tried boarding schools in the past, or know someone who has. There is nothing like a direct testimonial from someone who has first-hand experience. Even once your son is placed in a program, a support group specifically for parents can help you and the rest of your family recover.

Boarding School Resource Departments

Once you have a list of candidates, you will want to visit the boarding schools themselves. All boarding schools will have a resource department that can provide tours of the facility, an explanation of treatments used, financial aid options and other considerations for families.

This is a good chance to speak one-on-one with staff and make sure the school is a good fit for your son, both environmentally and developmentally.

Help Your Teen Now

As a parent, your biggest concern will always be the wellbeing of your child. Seeking out a boarding school can be a life-changing option for struggling teens who have failed to thrive in other environments.

Help Your Teen Now exists to help the parents of struggling boys and girls. We advocate for families and can help you find the right boarding school for your son, free of charge. If you need an ear and experienced advice, we are here for you.