Helping Your Teen Get The Help They Need

Where to Seek Help Addictions/Alcohol/Drugs Relationships/Sexuality Parenting Teens Resources for Teens Violence and Anger Find out More ...

Good Stress - Bad Stress A Site for Teens

Parenting teenagers is a rewarding, yet frustrating job. Just when you think you know what beat they march to, they find a different beat. We have listed some advice, tips and suggestions to parent the teen in your life.

• Always let your teenagers know that they can come to you with any problem. Be honest with them, you won’t always like what they have to say, but it is for their health and welfare you need to know what is going on in their lives.
• Provide your teenagers with the information they need to make healthy choices. Be open to getting guidance from a professional if your teenagers need support that you cannot are offer them.
• Make sure that when you ask your teenagers how they are doing, you are prepared for their answers. Ensure that you are ready to spend the time they need to talk with you. 
• If your teenagers are sleeping significantly more or less than usual, are no longer interested their usual activities, are crying more than normal, or lack their usual energy, encourage them to see their family doctor. They may be depressed.
• Be open with your teenagers about drugs and alcohol. If you are worried that your children may be using illegal substances, let them know that you have concerns and offer support. It is important to let them know that you are not mad at them for experimenting, but that you are worried about whether or not they are making safe choices for themselves. If you think that your teenagers may be at risk of developing an addiction or they are "experimenting" too often and need more information and support below are some numbers to call.
• Every teenager has a first love. If you are worried about your children’s romantic relationships, remember that they feel like they are in love and they don’t want to hear you say bad things; no matter how true you think they are. Remind your teens that every relationship has its ups and downs, but the one thing that every healthy relationship shares is that both partners feel good about themselves. If your teens are struggling to feel good about themselves, then have an open discussion about why they may be feeling that way and what they can do to change it. Below are some resources to help with young relationships.
• If you feel like you need more support, you can contact the PMFRC for help.
• If your teenagers are looking for support, don’t consider yourself a failure. Instead, take advantage of their willingness to speak with someone and contact The Phoenix Centre for Children and Families.
• If your teenagers do not wish to speak with you, encourage them to find an adult they trust. Keep the Kids Help Phone number (1-800-668-6868) on the fridge and let your teenager know that they can use the phone at any time if they want to call that number. You can even program it into your speed dial.
• Encourage your teenagers to speak with their school support counselor.

Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only toll-free, national, bilingual, phone and web counselling, referral and information service for children and youth.  We provide immediate anonymous and confidential support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Kids can now also do e-counselling in a safe web environment on their web site
http://www.kidshelpphone.ca
1-800-668-6868

SLAAMH - Students Learning About Addictions and Mental Health

SLAAMH is an exciting new Children's Mental Health program to help adolescents with issues around mental health and drug use. This program was developed as an evidence-based program as a result of a need expressed by community partners and the high school administration. Funding for the project comes from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to the County of Renfrew.  
http://www.columbushouse.ca/id32.htm
73 Renfrew Street, Pembroke
613-732-2133

Pathways Alcohol and Drug Treatment Counselling Services

Pathways Alcohol & Drug Treatment Services of Renfrew County offers outpatient treatment to individuals age 16 years and over, who are suffering from an alcohol and/or other chemical dependency. We also provide services to individuals who have been, or are currently being affected by someone else's chemical dependency.
http://renfrewcountyaddictiontreatment.ca/
210 Lochiel Street, Suite 210, Renfrew
613-432-8573
1-888-241-1135

Al-anon/Alateen

Like A.A., Al-anon and Alateen offer fellowship helping families of alcoholics. Whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not, Alanon members can find contentment and even happiness within their lives.
http://www.al-anon-ottawa.ca/
http://al-anon.alateen.on.ca/

Beachburg, Chalk River, Deep River, Pembroke/Petawawa (Hotline 24 hrs.)
613-732-7831

Arnprior, Eganville, Renfrew
613-432-2907

It's All About You! - A Teen's guide to talking about sex

This resource is provided by the Canadian Health Network and offers some great resources for the parent and the youth themselves.
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca

Canadian Health Network Frequently Asked Questions for youth and their parents

This great resourceful site answers a number of very relevant questions from "Why do I cut myself?", to "I am always tired. Am I sick?" and touches on steroids, drugs, alcohol, sexuality, bullying, eating disorders etc.
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca

The Phoenix Centre for Children and Families

The Phoenix Centre is operated by Renfrew County Youth Services providing day programs, group and individual programs and counselling for families and youth. Their philosophy is that change is possible in every situation. We also believe that the family is still the most important influence in a child’s life and that a child’s problems are best addressed with the involvement of his or her family.
http://www.phoenixctr.com/
1-800-465-1870
613-735-2374
phoenix@renc.igs.net

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