Writing to a troubled teen on a show is a difficult task for a parent. Teenagers may not understand why parents are forced to send them to a reform and rehabilitation program. Some teens may be angry with their parents for not understanding their problems. Parents should carefully draft letters to their troubled teen so that a healthy relationship is maintained when the teen completes rehab and returns home to family.
Complimenting the teen in the letter will go a long way toward building the teen’s self-esteem. Parents should emphasize how much they admire the teen for making the effort to reform. They should congratulate the adolescent for following the program. However, parents should be careful not to overdo praise to the point of sounding insincere. Parents should expect a letter from the teen informing them of progress and any problems she may be facing. Parents should not overemphasize that the program is good for the teen.
The letter should be a letter of inquiry, not instruction. The teenager is in a program and is being instructed by professionals. The parent should ask the teen about the activities of the program. They must show interest in what the adolescent has learned. Parents should ask if the teen enjoys learning the more positive aspects of life. Ask the teen what changes she needs to make. Parents should tell the teen that they are also part of the rehabilitation plan.
The humor is a happy interlude in a letter from parents to a teenager on a show. Adding humorous anecdotes about something that happened in the family or in the neighborhood can bring a smile to a teen’s face. Humor can lighten a parent-child relationship, even if it’s strained. The teen is going through a traumatic experience of reforming a negative lifestyle and will need something to smile about when on a show.
The letter should reflect the trust and faith parents have in their teens. Parents should show through their letter that they are proud of the teen. They must tell the adolescent how much they miss him and how much they hope that the adolescent will return home to a happy family existence. Parents should explain how important the teen is in their life and how much they hope to see them at the end of the show.
Parents should monitor through their letters the activities in the program and if the adolescent feels that he is doing any good. Parents need to make it clear that the teen does not need to stick with the program if she is not doing any good. They need to make it clear that they are there for the teen and that they are willing to listen to any problems they have with the program, and if the teen wants to leave the program for a good reason, they are willing to get them back.
Writing a letter to a troubled teen in a program is a tricky proposition for any parent. With thoughtfulness, kindness, and humor, parents can make their troubled teen in a program welcome letters from her.
