What To Look For In An out of State Boot Camp For Troubled Teens

What_To_Look_For_In_An_Out_of_State_Boot_Camp_For_Troubled_Teens

One of the hardest parenting moments is knowing your teen needs the kind of help they can only find at a boot camp. However, for some troubled teens sending them to boot camp is the best decision you can make for their future.

What Is Boot Camp?

A therapeutic boot camp is very similar to a military boot camp. The living conditions and discipline will be much like that of the actual military which may make a boot camp a good option for some troubled teens. The structure and discipline gives them a really hard look at what life in prison will be life if they do not change their ways. Some kids need this type of reality check. Since boot camps usually lack a therapy component, these programs are not recommended for troubled teens with a history of any type of abuse including self-harm and drugs.

Are Boot Camps Safe?

Every once in a while boot camps get some negative press including management issues and abuse or neglect. However, there are things you can do to ensure the safety and success of your troubled teen at boot camp.

First, make sure the program has been accredited by a nationally recognized organization and fully licensed by the state it operates in.

Second, ask for references or other proof of success.

Third, ask yourself if you really feel your troubled teen is going to benefit from the boot camp experience. That may seem like a silly question but only you know your child best. If your child shuts down when yelled at, perhaps boot camp is not the right place to send them.

Fourth, is your troubled teen in good physical health? This is military-style boot camp so if they are overweight, have asthma, or another medical condition that could be made worse by the intense physical activity perhaps your child would be better served in another type of program.

Fifth, do not expect the boot camp to do all the work. If you send your troubled teen away to the highly structured environment of boot camp, but do not change the structure and expectations at home then you, the parent, are not ready for the boot camp experience.

Sixth, look for a therapy component. Since most boot camps lack this element they can be hard to find.

Alternatives To Traditional Boot Camps

If you troubled teen needs the structure of boot camp but not all the yelling equine therapy programs blend the boot camp type experiences with the hard work of real working ranch. Most parents are not aware equine therapy programs offer the intense structure of boot camp without military theme.

Request Free Admissions Information

Step 1 of 3 - Your Contact Info

Written by Natalie

22 Jun, 2015

Recent Posts

Teenage Programs For Teens With Violent Behavior

Teenage Programs For Teens With Violent Behavior

Parenting teenagers displaying violent behavior is no simple task. Parents need to access support programs tailored specifically for this situation to safely and responsibly manage them.  Fortunately, there are programs specifically created for teens with violent...

My Teen Keeps Threatening Suicide, What Can I Do?

My Teen Keeps Threatening Suicide, What Can I Do?

While teenagers can be impulsive and blurt things out that they don’t mean to say or intend to do, if your teen is threatening suicide, this is definitely something that will get your attention and should hold your attention. Whether your teen has the intent to follow...

Common ODD Symptoms Parents Need to Know

Common ODD Symptoms Parents Need to Know

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in teens can bring with it a number of challenges that parents may struggle to adjust to. All children and teenagers show oppositional behavior every so often; that’s just part of learning and testing boundaries. ODD, however, can...

What Do Military Schools Do To Help Struggling Teens?

What Do Military Schools Do To Help Struggling Teens?

When teenagers start struggling with their behavior, academics, or social issues, finding the right help can be difficult. But have you ever thought of military schools? It sounds extreme, but military schools can help struggling teens. As we all know, parenting is no...

How Does a Scared Straight Program Help Troubled Teens?

How Does a Scared Straight Program Help Troubled Teens?

Teenagers experiencing difficulty may need special programs to assist them in dealing with their problems and learning how to live their lives peacefully. One primary example is the Scared Straight program. Children and teenagers at risk of delinquency or already...

How To Keep Teens Safe From Texting Apps

How To Keep Teens Safe From Texting Apps

With countless risks online for children and teens, you know just how important it is to take steps to protect them as best you can. You can block their access to certain apps and limit their screen time. There are many solutions that parents can consider. There are...

You May Also Like…

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *