Troubled Teens’ Parents Should Get Some Help
Re “Tough Love, or Abuse?” Nov. 21:
The trial of Grady and Deborah Machnick highlights the challenges faced by teens and parents. Behavior modification alone is not the answer for making a child more responsible. The relationship between parent and child is critical since the youth must care whether he or she meets a parent’s expectations, and a parent must be able to listen in order to understand what is getting in the way. Just like all relationships, this takes effort.
It is important to realize when you need assistance or a more objective perspective on ways to help your teen make the successful transition to adulthood. There are nonprofit groups throughout Southern California that specialize in working with teens and their families. There are also a number of youth shelters that can assist families in crisis.
Linda Howard
Santa Ana
Director of Youth Services, CSP Inc.
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