I would venture to say that all teen behavior is driven by the need to belong.  And when real connection isn’t available… kids will stoop to cheap substitutes.

Appearance, performance, conformity.  Your teen draws on all of these areas to fit in.  You might notice a drastic change in your daughter’s clothing or hairstyle.  Maybe your son is using language he wouldn’t normally use.  It’s shocking to a parent who’s spent so much time investing and teaching good character.

But I’d encourage you to look beyond the behavior changes for a moment.  Is your teen acting out in order to belong?  Is he or she just trying to fill the emptiness?

Mom and dad… remember… you can do a lot to help your teen feel accepted … especially at home!

 

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