Tips To Keep Teens Out of Trouble
Posted May 21, 1998 7:00 a.m. EDT
RALEIGH — Most teenagers will face violence, and other serious challenges. Adolescence is a time of great change and turmoil for teens and parents.
Three years ago, Tim MacLachlen dropped out of school.
"I was doing bad in school and stuff. So I just said forget it," MacLachlen said.
At 17-years-old, Tim has just become the father of a baby girl. Faced with parenthood he hopes to eventually get his G.E.D. to get a better job.
Teenagers are confronted with some very serious issues, and at the heart of their need is a desperate cry for help.
Patricia Molitor, a councelor at Wake Teen, said that it is important for parents to stay involved in the lives of their teens.
"Spend time with your child, at least a half-an-hour alone without the tv on," Molitor said. "Without other distractions."
Wake Teen suggests that parents follow some basic tips to help their teens:
"They get concerned with different types of people around me," teenager Leah Mills said. "The different types of influences that are there."