Do You Have A Problem Child?
It's Never Too Late!

You know what a problem child is don't you? He or she is the kind of kid who is always getting in trouble at school, talks back at home, has no respect for adults and is always picking fights with their brothers and sisters. They are the proverbial troublemaker or slacker.

When they were little, they wouldn't eat at mealtimes properly. As they grew, they got lousy marks in school and wouldn't do their homework. As they got close to being teenagers, they probably started smoking.

As they began their journey through the teenage years, they started using drugs and alcohol and got involved with crime. They had begun to experiment with sexuality, almost, before puberty. He or she is often portrayed in movies and a lot of times adults live in fear of them.

So now that we have finished ranting and raving, let's get serious. There's no such thing as a problem child. The whole idea is ridiculous. That label is a cop out. It's not rocket science, after all.

I am always amazed at parents who are willing to deal with eight years of hell during the teen years, rather than one or two years of firmness with an infant or toddler. Which battle do you think you're gonna win?

And in today's day and age, it seems these kids are getting started even younger so instead of having eight years of hell it's more likely to be 10 years of hell. And for those of you who think that your child is going to be different, think again.

Children who are not controlled when they are little turn out to be troublemakers. And I am not talking about beating your children. I have never found that to be necessary. But saying, "NO" and then backing up your command when your kids are little will go a long way to making the teen years far more enjoyable for everyone.

But, the good news is that no matter how old he or she is, as long as they are under the age of 19, in other words, they are still, technically, a child, it is not too late.

Parental wellness is no different than any other kind of wellness. The right blend of knowledge, tools, energy and skills can solve any problem. Your child may not have come with a manual at birth, but there is much information out there to help you learn the best methods.

For example, a fellow by the name of James Lehman, MSW, a behavioral therapist, has developed The Total Transformation, an excellent product designed to help you turn around your situation with your child.

If your problem child is already older, it may be a little harder and may take a few more drastic measures, but I can tell you it will have been worth it as you watch your happy, well-functioning, former problem child move into his or her adult years.





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