SAVING OUR YOUTHS

Kids in Crisis

As a Qualified Mental Health Professional and retired Police Executive , with a MA in Forensic Psychology dealing with a child in crisis can be difficult for parents. We all have had to endear the wrath of a child out of control. Regardless of age, an outburst can be devastating to family members and the child.  

Recently I viewed a video which depicted a teenage son berating his father. He invaded his father’s personal space and yelled disparaging remarks at him. In addition, he challenged his father to call the police and attempted to engage in a physical altercation. The father subsequently had to relocate to another room, just to clean up.   

I viewed many of the comments indicating that the child would be “knocked out, in a grave or beaten.” Many viewers indicated the “ Old School” theory of thought.  We all know this one, we would never disrespect any adult, if we did consequences would be initiated immediately by any adult within reach. 

However, today we are restricted by allegations of child abuse, possible arrest and charging. So how does one initiate an adequate consequence for unwarranted behavior. The key element is conflict resolution.  

Conflict resolution is administered through active listening skills and communication. Yet the application of harmful or perceived threats can inflame the situation.  One must be versed in the L-A-P-C method.  Listen, Assess, Plan and Commit. I have used this method time after time and it works. We must be able to understand what saying and what not saying. Listen for the underlining issue.  

Many children have Intermittent Explosive Disorder and we ask why are you doing this. Yet research indicates that we should be asking How these behavior came about. There is always the how, which precedes the why or action.  

Please listen and reach out to myself or someone else trained in crisis. If we can find the how we can deter the bad action of our youth.