During teenage years, children expect more freedom, and most parents do not mind giving them space. But sometimes, this freedom can go out of bounds, and teenagers might need help. Boot camps for teens may help in such cases. In most cases, at-risk youth are sent to private teen boot camps to remedy an undesirable behavior. Whether it is substance abuse, anger, authority defiance, academic underachievement, or rule-breaking, there is likely a deeper, underlying emotional issue that needs to be addressed. When parents have exhausted their resources and don’t know where to turn, treatment methods such as a boot camp for teens may help their struggling child.
Do Teen Boot Camps Work?
While teen boot camps effectively build strength and discipline, they typically do not have a therapeutic model to address the underlying issues behind teen defiance and rebellion. The goal of these programs for troubled teens is centered on training teens to take ownership of their choices. However, they don’t punish teens, a style of discipline that was so prevalent in the past. Instead, the teen is encouraged to make positive choices through constructive skill-building. The teen boot camps blend the characteristics of boarding schools and wilderness programs. Worn-out and stressed-out parents who are at their wit’s end may resort to these programs to help their children. They teach teens to acquire healthy lifestyle habits.
Types Of Boot Camps For Teens
Various boot camps for teens are available to cater to your child’s specific needs (1)
Boot camps for the mind
These boot camps help children to succeed academically further. Also, they help improve their ability to focus better on their goals.
Boot camps for the soul
These boot camps aiming at the soul are religious boot camps. They provide teenagers with the opportunity to improve their spiritual lives through meditation and prayers.
Boot camps for body
Boot camps can be beneficial for teens when it comes to physical fitness. Drills, adventurous treks, and physical fitness activities are an integral part of boot camps that make teens fit and confident.
Military-style boot camps
Military-style boot camps help troubled children get back on track. Children who end up in trouble cannot make healthy decisions during this phase. They need to learn how to set goals, resist peer pressure, and solve problems. They also need to learn social skills and involve in hobbies and interests to keep them out of trouble. Military camps also improve their fitness levels.
When Should Parents Not Send A Child To Boot Camp?
Teens who display behavioral problems may have mental health issues, such as a conduct disorder, ADHD, or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Maybe the parents had ignored the warning signs, and the disorder has gotten worse in the teen years. Other teens may have functioned normally during early childhood, only to develop problems later. However, all teens with behavioral issues such as rebellion may not have a serious mental health issue. If the behavioral issue is a mental health problem, it’s best to avoid sending them to an unfamiliar environment. These behavioral issues might develop from social issues, bullying, substance abuse, hormone changes, or mood disorders such as depression. Some risk factors attributed to the problems might include trauma, physical or sexual abuse, neglected genes, family history of mood disorders, or mental instability. Also, personality traits, temperaments, lack of impulse control, poor stress management, learning disabilities, and environmental factors may play a role. There might be various triggers, including parents getting divorced, the sudden death of a parent or loved one, or moving to a new town. Mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder, are more likely to emerge in such situations. Teens struggling with the following mental health issues shouldn’t be pushed to join a boot camp:
Tips For Choosing The Right Boot Camp
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right boot camp for your teen. Focus on looking for programs that emphasize education and life skill rather than harsh punishments. Some programs even take place in the wilderness rather than confined settings to help the teens feel comfortable.
