Whenever your car’s “Check Engine” light comes on, it’s usually accompanied by that sinking feeling you get in the pit of your stomach.

Sometimes, the engine light means you need a costly repair. Other times, it’s just a minor glitch. But until you take your car in, you live in a shroud of mystery. Could be big. Could be small.

A teen’s inappropriate behavior works the same way. It’s a device for getting your attention. And your task as a parent is to understand the motivation behind the actions.

Is your teen acting out? Bad behavior is like the engine light in your car. So don’t get distracted by what you see. Instead, look deeper into your teen’s life … and get started on making the repair.

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