Sammamish Plateau Parent Networking Group

Join us on Monday, June 8, 7-9 PM at the Sahalee Fire Station across from Deer Park where we talk about Parents Helping Teens:

Monday, June 8, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Sahalee Fire Station on 228th Ave. across from Deerfield Park

If you, or someone you know is experiencing difficulty with a teen, take a few moments and answer the following questionnaire. This can serve as a point of reference in understanding the severity of the problems your teen is facing. Sometimes the problems are so severe that they can only be properly addressed by getting professional help in a controlled environment, such as a Residential Center, Treatment Program or Specialty School. Other times problems can be resolved right in the home by setting better limits and tightening up the basic family rules and structure.

After completing the questionnaire refer to the scoring guide which will offer suggestions and recommendations based on the results of your own responses. Answer YES or NO to each of these questions:

YES/NO
__ __ 1. Does your teen struggle with basic family rules and expectations?
__ __ 2. Has your teen ever been suspended, expelled, truant or had a drop in school grades?
__ __ 3. Has your teen ever been verbally abusive?
__ __ 4. Does your teen associate with a negative peer group?
__ __ 5. Has your teen lost interest in former productive activities, hobbies or sports?
__ __ 6. Do you have difficulty getting your teen to do simple household chores or homework?
__ __ 7. Has your teen had problems with the law?
__ __ 8. Do you find yourself picking your words carefully when speaking to your teen, so as not to elicit verbal attack or rage from them?
__ __ 9. Are you worried that your teen may not finish high school?
__ __ 10. Does your teen at times seem depressed/withdrawn?
__ __ 11. Is your teen’s appearance or personal hygiene outside your family standards?
__ __ 12. Do you suspect that your teen lies or is dishonest with you?
__ __ 13. Has your teen ever displayed violent behavior?
__ __ 14. Is your teen manipulative or deceitful?
__ __ 15. Are you concerned that your teen may be sexually promiscuous?
__ __ 16. Do you suspect at times you have had money or other valuables missing from your home?
__ __ 17. Does your teen seem to lack motivation?
__ __ 18. Are you exhausted and worn out from your teen’s defiant or destructive behaviors and choices?
__ __ 19. Does your teen’s behavior concern you for their safety?
__ __ 20. Any evidence of suicide ideation?
__ __ 21. Are you concerned about your child’s well-being and their future?
__ __ 22. Do you think your teen is using or experimenting with drugs/alcohol?
__ __ 23. Is your teen angry or displaying temper outbursts?
__ __ 24. Do you have a lack of trust with your teen?
__ __ 25. When dealing with your teen, do you often feel that you are powerless?
__ __ 26. No matter what rules and consequences you have established, does your teen defy them?
__ __ 27. Does your teen have problems with authority?
__ __ 28. Does your teen seem to be in constant opposition to your family values?
__ __ 29. Does your teen seem to lack self-esteem and self-worth?
__ __ 30. Does your teen engage in activities you don’t approve of?

Tally your responses: YES _____ NO _____

Based on the number of your “YES” responses, recommendations from the organization, Parents Helping Teens, would be as follows:
18+: HIGH RISK. Get help! A Residential Center, Treatment Program or Specialty School is strongly recommended.
9-17: BORDERLINE RISK. The problems may be resolved by tightening up the family rules and structure. However, a Residential Center, Treatment Program or Specialty School may need to be considered.
Up to 8: MODERATE RISK. Tighten up family rules, and be consistent with your monitoring and follow through.


If outside help is indicated, I can provide some recommendations on cost effective options that have a successful track history with difficult teens. I can speak from personal experience, as my own 16-year-old daughter is currently residing at a boarding school in southern Utah, and in the seven months she has been there, we have seen a tremendous transformation in her attitude, motivation, self-esteem and accountability. If you are encountering struggles with your teen and you feel that you have run out of options, PLEASE come to this next meeting---I can offer you some direction, and most importantly, hope for change! This will be our last meeting of this school year, so try to join me on Monday evening, June 8, 7-9 PM at the Sahalee Fire Station for the final time until next school year!


***For more information about the Sammamish Parent Networking Group, contact Cherry O’Neill at dwo-mci@msn.com or call 425-868-2111 (home) or 206-550-3809 (cell).

 

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