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Is This Normal Teen Behavior — or Something Bigger?


If your child is between 10–18 and these patterns have been happening consistently for 6 months or more, you may be dealing with more than a “normal phase.”

 

Over the past 6 months, how often have the following happened?

Section 1

Behavioral Patterns

Disrespect or constant arguing *
Lying or hiding the truth *
Refusing basic responsibilities (chores, schoolwork) *
Verbal threats or physical aggression *
Stealing *
Breaking curfew *
Running away or threatening to leave home *
Skipping school or significant grade decline *
Drug or alcohol use *
Technology battles that feel out of control *
Suicide threats during arguments *
 

Section 2

Emotional Patterns

Ongoing sadness, withdrawal, or depression *
Severe or constant anxiety *
Unresolved grief or major loss affecting behavior *
Emotional shutdown or lack of connection *
Self-harm behaviors *
Suicide threats due to emotional pain *

Free Chapter:

Why Teens Misbehave


Dr. Scott P. Sells is the founder of the Parenting Your Extreme Teen, the Family Trauma Institute and the author of Parenting Your Out-of-Control Teenager.

His groundbreaking work with high-risk teens and their families led to the development of the Parenting with Love & Limits (PLL) and FST (Family Systems Trauma) models — used by therapists, treatment centers, and parents across the U.S. and internationally.

He has trained thousands of professionals and supported families facing complex issues such as disrespect, school refusal, lying, anxiety, and tech addiction.

This August, he will release the fully revised Parenting Your Out-of-Control Teen, with new tools, real family stories, and a community-first approach for today’s parents.

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