Boot Camps For Troubled Teens near Iowa

Because of the exposure that shows such as Dr. Phil, Oprah, and other talk shows have done on Boot Camps, many parents may consider that to be a recommended treatment for troubled teens. In the shows, teens first show appear as surly, disrespectful, and even violent, but then return in a supposedly better frame of mind: They nod in complete silence and do exactly as ordered when their "leaders" and parents snap at them to obey. The audience always cheers in victory, knowing that the teen has been forced to "repent" or recover. Their defiance is finally broken. Now they will return home to be the perfect teen. 

Few things could be further from the truth. 

What Are Boot Camps?

Boot camps are meant to be training for soldiers in the US Military, and somehow, the idea of the program was moved into troubled teen treatment. The teens are forced to endure screaming, shame, humiliation, and exercise or work that is far beyond their normal activity levels. More recently, news of horrific deaths have been reported from such programs from extreme exhaustion, dehydration, starvation, and even violence, all from "boot camp" programs purported to "fix" struggling teens.

The truth is, that even those teens who return from such programs seemingly "fixed" are still reacting the only way they knew how in such a violent situation: Survival. Teens are smart. They figure out very quickly what it takes to get what they need--which, in this case, is away--away from the horror and abuse that is the program their parents placed them in.

Most parents are unaware of what a teen boot camp is actually like. They've been told that it will be a "Quick fix" for their troubled teen, and they jump at the opportunity to get their son or daughter back. This is why many parents, looking for a way to help their teenager, will search for "boot camps," as this popular and horrifying program is the one that is most known.

However, there are many other ways to help. 

How Can I Help My Troubled Teen?

 If your teen is having issues at home, with family, at school, and with peers, it is important to get them help. Residential treatment centers are programs that combine academics with exceptional therapy, working with both the teen and their parents to get them back on the track to success. As parents, you know that your teen is better than what they are showing, and you know that they can change their ways and move forward again. 

There are many different residential treatment centers that will specialize in many different things. It's an overwhelming task, looking for the right one, wondering if it is a safe and helpful place for your teen. THat's why we created Restoring Troubled Teens. Our family advocates will help you find the right place for your son or daughter, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision, and to feel comfortable with where you are placing your child. 

We can help you find a solution near Iowa that is better than boot camp for troubled teens.

The Top Boot Camps for Troubled Teens from Iowa

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Book Quotes “I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful one-hundred percent!” ― Dr. Seuss “Remember, darkness does not always equate to evil, just as light does not always bring good.” ― P.C. Cast “Great heroes need great sorrows and burdens, or half their greatness goes unnoticed. It is all part of the fairy tale.” ― Peter S. Beagle