Juvenile crime can set the foundation for a lifetime of challenges for your teen in the absence of intervention. As a parent, you may strongly desire to prevent recidivism and help your child recognize the benefit of living a crime-free life.
While you cannot control everything your child does, your influence and example may encourage positive behavior. Here are some strategies to help you reduce the risks of your teen reoffending.
Prioritize social involvement
The pressure to fit in can play a large role in how your teen behaves. Positive social interactions may decrease the likelihood of delinquent behavior. According to Youth.gov, adolescents need opportunities to participate in learning and they need to experience belonging. Each of these assets can build character, improve self-confidence and facilitate personal growth.
Even while your teen participates in detention or satisfies other forms of legal punishment, you can encourage positive social involvement. Seek opportunities within your community for your child to participate in service projects. See if there are classes or resources to help your child learn a new skill of interest. This type of social interaction may improve morale and decrease opportunities for delinquency.
Facilitate goal setting
Goal setting gives purpose and may increase the anticipation of future events. Talk with your child about the importance of setting goals. Identify interests and make a list of attributes and skills that your child wants to develop or strengthen. As a parent, you can create incentives to encourage compliance and facilitate your child’s efforts to accomplish personal goals.
Even though your child committed a crime, it is not the end of the world. Helping your child to see the potential of the future may successfully change the trajectory of his or her life.
