Families faced with Parent Teen Conflicts may also be struggling with high-risk behaviors from their teenager. High-risk behaviors include running away, experimenting with drugs and alcohol, skipping school, breaching rules or declining academic grades. Unfortunately, some may incorrectly label the family as having a “troubled teen.” This assumption could overlook other contributing factors, such as a breakdown of communication or respect within the family system. Parent-Teen Mediation is very beneficial in these situations.
“The teen years are confusing for both the adolescent and the parent. The teen is no longer a child, yet not quite an adult. Teens are struggling for their independence, yet sometimes unwilling to assume the accompanying responsibility. They often want to make their own rules yet have difficulty following family rules. Sometimes parents have a hard time letting teens have the freedom teens think they deserve. This is all part of the parent-teen growing up together, conflict system.” – Bob Blyth, Idaho Mediation Association Director
The strength of mediation lies in its problem-solving, practical approach to the issues at hand. The mediation process enables individuals to better understand and listen to what the other person is saying. A mediator acts as a neutral third party assisting family members in validating their individual interests and needs. This promotes understanding and often helps family members set aside their differences and focus on fashioning effective agreements.
Juvenile and Parent-Teen Mediation may assist families in the following areas:
- Excessive and Recurring Parent/Child Conflict
- Parent/Teen Contracts and Agreements
- Juvenile Delinquency and the School System
- At-Risk Teen Behaviors
- Juveniles and the Court System
When considering Parent-Teen Mediation, verify that the mediator has completed a Juvenile Mediation program approved by the G.O.D.R. (Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution). Specific training in Juvenile Mediation also prepares mediators to address matters that reach the level of the school system and the court system. Olive Branch Mediation only uses mediators who have completed the required training necessary to assist families in these areas. Our mediators are trained to serve at the Juvenile Court level; however, Parent-Teen Mediation promotes a way of handling conflict before it escalates to that degree.
Olive Branch Mediation is dedicated to serving our clients with a facilitative approach. We believe in the value of developing open communication between family members and helping individuals recognize each other's perspective. Mediation empowers individuals to generate their own solutions. Consequently, when children and teenagers are involved, mediation can help to preserve and strengthen family relationships.
For additional information regarding the services of Olive Branch Mediation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
