Modern teenagers face many challenges their parents didn’t have to consider while growing up. 

This leaves parents and caregivers at a loss when trying to understand their teenagers and their daily problems. It gets even more complicated when you have a troubled teen in your home. 

Disciplinary or therapeutic boarding schools may be your and your adolescent’s solution. 

In this post, we’ll look at what makes disciplinary schools different from traditional schools and how you can make the best decision regarding your child’s schooling and overall well-being.

What are Disciplinary Schools?

Before we dive in, it’s essential to know that disciplinary schools are not the same as military schools, which are designed with the values of the military in mind to stamp our disruptive behavior.

Therapeutic boarding schools offer a softer, less rigid approach. Depending on the child and the severity of their issues, this comforting environment for your troubled teen to heal and thrive may be the answer. 

Disciplinary schools were born out of the need to establish centers for troubled teens outside the mainstream schooling system.

In a lot of cases, traditional schooling methods have failed to recognize and acknowledge their unique mental health issues and behavioral problems. 

For troubled teens, a change in their schooling environment can make all the difference, mainly when that environment caters to their individual needs and mental health conditions, if present. 

To understand how a therapeutic boarding school can help your child, read on as we unpack what separates disciplinary schools from traditional boarding schools. 

Traditional Boarding Schools vs. Therapeutic Boarding Schools

There are many differences between these two types of schools, the understanding of which will help you make a more informed decision about your child’s schooling. Let’s take a look.

Structure

Therapeutic schools function on a strict and transparent structure. The authority figures are indicated, and everyone knows what is expected of them. 

This type of structure may be lacking at home due to the busy schedules of parents’ lives and other environmental factors, such as negative peer influences and unsafe living conditions. 

While a teen goes through drastic changes during adolescence, they need structure in their external worlds so that they are better able to manage the chaos going on inside of them. 

Routine

Following a routine with your child is recommended from a very young age. Not only does this help them to feel safe and secure, but it also lets them know what to expect next. 

The same is true for your teenager. Even though they are not infants or toddlers anymore, they still need a pattern and predictability to help them organize their lives. Even some adults need this in their daily lives.

At a therapeutic boarding institution, there is a keen focus on creating and maintaining a solid routine. This helps troubled teens understand what is expected of them and teaches them time management skills. 

Therapy and counseling services

One of the main advantages of disciplinary schools is how therapy is normalized and integrated seamlessly into students’ daily routines. 

From group counseling to individual therapy sessions, your teenager will have an outlet to work through their mental health challenges while being supported by a licensed professional. 

Some schools will also offer family therapy sessions because healing a troubled teen is everyone’s responsibility. 

Focus on character development.

Ordinary boarding schools offer character development, too, but this aspect is so ingrained in the methods of therapeutic boarding schools that teens are continuously challenged to better themselves. 

Character development programs at disciplinary schools often include emotional and behavioral development as well, which is a more holistic approach to what is offered at traditional schools. 

Academic assistance and personalized education

You also want a learning environment that considers your child’s needs about education.

Most troubled teens have issues with failing grades, which is usually one of the first indications that your child needs help.

Therapeutic boarding schools understand this and know how to personalize their teaching methods to include and cater to everyone. This is made possible, in part, by keeping class sizes to a minimum so that each student can receive the individual academic assistance that they require. 

Refining Your Search

Traditional schools and disciplinary schools differ in many ways. And often, those differences could be just what your troubled teen needs to start their healing journey. 

Suppose your child could benefit from more structure and routine, personalized education, and tailored therapy options. In that case, a disciplinary school may be what you are looking for. 

At Help Your Teen Now, we help you review the different options available in your state and beyond so that you can choose the best therapeutic boarding school for your troubled teen. Contact us today for free and professional advice.