Think your child is dealing with an addictive behavior?

If you suspect your child is involved in an addictive behavior:

– Find out the kind of addiction your child is suffering from and take appropriate measures.

– Begin to scrutinize your child’s choice of friends/social life. Depending on the addiction, it is important to find out which friends are also involved and remove your child from that situation.

– Get your child involved in church activities. It is important not only to remove your child from negative influences but also to enforce positive ones. The church is a great place for children to acquire friends and mentors who will be a positive force in their lives and can provide help to parents as well.

– Get involved in your child’s life. Spend quality time with your son or daughter, whether through helping with homework, shopping or talking. Place an emphasis on activities that are important to him or her, and show you care by being present and actively involved.

– Set standards for your child. Make it known what the expectations are and enforce them. Do not be afraid to use tough love when necessary because the alternatives are worse.

– Seek help from others such as pastors, church leaders and certified counselors and clinics.
(TeenChallengeUSA.com)