Johnny Patout, CEO of New Beginnings Recovery Center, outlines the top three influences on teens today
Having regular discussions with your teen about what they see, teaching them to determine good and bad influences and helping them dissect hidden messages can help steer them in the right direction.
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) September 30, 2013
Teens today are subjected to an ever-increasing amount of influences. Their peers play a more significant role, and the media reaches into our homes from the television. Parents continually fight to minimize negative influences. But how effective are they? Who has the biggest influence on our teens?
As a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years in the industry, Johnny Patout, CEO of New Beginnings Recovery Center, the leading teen residential treatment program in the Southwest and one recognized nationwide for teen rehabilitation, has helped thousands of teens and parents through their darkest days. He has compiled a list of the top three drug and alcohol influencers in a teens life and the steps a parent can take to combat negative influences:
1. Media. “Media is perhaps one of the greatest influences in shaping your teen’s attitude and behavior,” said Patout. “At the root of most teenage behavior is the need for acceptance they think they will gain by mirroring what they see on television and in the movies. Having regular discussions with your teen about what they see, teaching them to determine good and bad influences and helping them dissect hidden messages can help steer them in the right direction.”
2. Friends. “Friendships can often become a subject of discord between parents and teens. Parents want their children to have friends who are positive influences. Parents will actively try to choose their kid’s friends,” said Patout. “This often results in more harm than good. Instead, parents should get to know the people their teens are surrounding themselves with and invite them openly into their home. Having parties or movie nights at your home can be a great way to get to know your teen’s friends without being overly intrusive.”
3. Parents. “Parents often underestimate the influence their words and behaviors have over their teens,” said Patout. “The behaviors and attitudes that parents portray can have a lasting effect on their children starting as young as infancy. It’s important to set clear standards as a family and continue to hold fast to them throughout your child’s formative years.”
Teaching teens how to critically assess the influences in their lives will give them the tools needed to keep themselves safe in situations where parents cannot protect them. When it comes to helping your teen navigate around drugs and alcohol, the key is striking a balance between taking control and teaching your teen how to take reigns.
For more information on teen drug treatment and recovery or to schedule an interview with Johnny Patout, please contact Stephanie Wick at 972-850-5866 or swick(at)ideagrove(dot)com.
About New Beginnings Recovery Center
New Beginnings Recovery Center, the leading teen drug rehabilitation program in the Southwest and one recognized nationwide, has been helping teens overcome addiction for more than 30 years. New Beginnings offers a continuum of care for inpatient treatment, residential treatment, partial hospitalization and outpatient programs, and works with private insurance providers to find the lowest costs for their patients. For more information, visit http://www.newbeginningsteenhelp.com/.
