Is your child showing signs of delinquent behaviour? Remember that as a parent you can do something to help. Establish clear rules at home and stick to them. Know who your child’s friends are. Find out what they do and where they go. Work with teachers and the school administration to keep tabs on your child’s performance.

Communication is vital. Find ways to show how important your child is to you. If disciplinary measures become necessary, focus on the inappropriate behaviour, not personality. For most teens, committing delinquent acts is only a temporary phase they go through in their attempt to establish their own identity. If they get the support they need, they will eventually come around and once again behave in a way that shows respect for others.

Remember, you’re not alone! Many organizations offer free resources to parents dealing with their youngsters’ problematic behaviour. Break the silence and take advantage of the services to talk about what you’re experiencing and get help.

10 main reasons kids bully others

Someone – perhaps a parent or brother or sister – is bullying them.

Someone bigger and stronger is pressuring the child to be “tougher.”

They think the world revolves around them.

They need attention.

They have problems at home.

They have no real friend and they feel lonely.

They don’t feel good about themselves and they want others to feel bad too.

They feel bullied, and bullying others gives them a sense of power.

They want their classmates to think they’re strong and in control.

They don’t think about other people’s feelings or couldn’t care less.

For information or support, contact the following resources:

Information and Referral Centre of Greater Montréal

Your local CLSC

Parents phone line

Parents en marge de la rue

Youth Protection Directorate

Batshaw Youth and Family Centres

Community relations officer at your PDQ