Having a child accused of committing a crime can increase your concerns about the type of life your child will continue to live. As a parent, you most likely want to facilitate healthier, more responsible habits in your child.
While you cannot control your child’s behavior, there are things you can do to provide support and encouragement. With unconditional love and guidance, you could make a considerable difference in your child’s ability to put this situation in the past for good.
Prioritize love and time
Despite the poor decisions your child made, there is no better time to show love. Focus on improving trust with your child. Encourage productive conversation. Discuss the misbehavior and talk about its consequences and how things could continually worsen if change does not happen. Express your love and concern frequently.
Emphasize education
Encourage your child to participate in school. If your child is in a juvenile detention center, you can still show support and encourage academic involvement. According to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the state has several youth programs designed to help at-risk youth. You could inquire about assistance with tutoring, life skills training and mentoring to help reinforce concepts learned in school.
Encourage extracurriculars
Extracurricular activities can add value, excitement and satisfaction to your child’s life. Activities could include sports, community service and volunteer work. Involvement in such things can provide opportunities for your child to develop meaningful connections and worthwhile friendships. Your child may discover new interests that lead to exciting goals.
Juvenile delinquency and teen court can take their toll on you and your child. Reiterating your love for your child and doing everything in your power to educate and support might be the reasons your child avoids a life of crime.
