(1888PressRelease)
July 16, 2006 - BEND, OR — Informal studies support the idea that the beginning of the school year represents a time in which anxiety and depression may rise in a youth. This comes from several factors, such as a change for a child from elementary school to junior high or from junior high to high school.
According to Dore Frances, founder of Horizon Family Solutions (http://www.guidingteens.com), there are other likely reason that this is potentially a very difficult time of the year for adolescents and their families. "When you are in the midst of emotional growth, both mentally and physically, any change can be stressful. Youth tend to be more focused on their peer group than on family. This can be difficult for parents whose primary focus is their child."
Frances adds, "Adolescents may experience disappointments around the beginning of a new school year, as it may not be ideal to what they imagined or even left just months before, especially when they are changing schools. Most expectations fall short."
She goes on to state, "Teens may also pick up on the anxiety of their parents, in that they may seem disappointed that their child is not advancing into what their expectations have been for their child. This may also stem from other unresolved family issues."
Frances continues, "The bottom line is that when you are talking about potential at-risk youth, any added stressor can serve as a trigger for problem behaviors including cutting, eating disorders or substance abuse. Parents need to watch for signs that indicate that their child may be experiencing trouble."
Signs that parents need to look for include:
A change in friends or peer group
Change in appearance and the way in which they dress
Change in appetitive and eating habits
Changes in sleeping behaviors and patterns
Isolation from family and friends
Loss of interest in hobbies or sports
It is not always easy for parents to determine the nature of severity of an emerging problem. In an effort to assist parents, Horizon Family Solutions, with the support of the Matthew Jones Foundation, is offering the PRISM Parent Development Seminar on Saturday, August 19, 2006, in Boise, Idaho.
Parents may call 866-833-6911 or e-mail Dore ( @ ) DoreFrances dot com for registration information. Registration needs to be completed by August 2, 2006 and space is limited. Horizon Family Solutions offers experienced, full time Independent Educational Consultants and Special Education IEP/504/Transition Plan Advisors to assist parents with youth who are struggling with behavior, emotional, educational, juvenile and substance issues.
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