CHECK LIST FOR TEENAGE BEHAVIOR (continued)

LIST ONE…
List one represents the subtle symptoms that may suggest a child is experiencing a psychological or drug/alcohol related problem. If you checked all symptoms, or a combination of some of these symptoms, plus some symptoms from Lists 2, 3, or 4, then you should seek professional help without delay.
If only a few symptoms occur in this category and none in Lists 2, 3, or 4, then simply discuss your concerns with your child. However, you should carefully monitor your child’s activities and behaviors. If symptoms persist, seek professional help.

LIST TWO…
List Two represents some of the more obvious symptoms of a child abusing drugs or alcohol. It also represents many behaviors of a child experiencing difficulty managing his or her environment and responsibilities.
If you have checked several of the indicators from both Lists 1 and 2, you should schedule your child for a professional evaluation for a possible psychological and/or drug/alcohol problem.

LIST THREE …
List Three represents definite symptoms of a child who has been using drugs or alcohol for some time, or who is developing severe psychological problems.
If you have checked a few of these symptoms and several from Lists 1 and 2, you child is in urgent need of a professional evaluation.

LIST FOUR…
List Four represents the symptoms of parents who love their child and want to believe everything is okay. Yet, they may be experiencing what is commonly referred to as “denial”. Parents caught in this subtle trap are doing “all the wrong things for all the right reasons”, including compromising their own values and lifestyles while directing all their attention, thoughts and efforts towards their child.
If you have checked a number of these symptoms, you may be caught in this trap, and could be creating an environment that rewards/reinforces inappropriate teen behaviors, rather than stopping them. A good first step towards intervention would be to seek professional help concerning your own particular situation.

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