by V. Z. Marcus

Created on: September 24, 2009   Last Updated: September 28, 2009

Adolescence can be a trying time. Anyone who has ever experienced it remembers the rapid changes taking place in the body and the mind, and might recall the feelings that accompany such a change. It is a fact of life that some teenagers meet this change with a less than perfect degree of civility. Sometimes teens faced with a particularly difficult challenge might elect to do things to themselves or others that signal a problem is present. They might exude signs that they simply don't care, which can be demonstrated in a variety of different ways including dangerous behavior, being verbally abusive, or drug use. When this occurs, it is the immediate responsibility of the parent to face this problem, and see to it that it is resolved in the best way possible.

But what do you do with a teenager who just doesn't care? The answer is easier than you think, and it involves getting to the core of the issue. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take when you suspect that your teen has fallen into this category. These steps, if followed correctly will lead you to a better understanding of your teens state of mind, and the proper way in which to address it.

*Observe. What does your teen do with his or her time? How do they live on a day to day basis and is there something within that daily schedule that might lead them to their current state of mind. It's a good idea to observe your teen and their behavior, as this will give you the necessary insight into why they might have developed an uncaring attitude.

*Approach. Talking to your teen is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. When you talk with your teen, you let them know that you care about them and about what they are going through in life. If your teen exhibits signs that they just don't care, it almost always indicates that they are missing something in their life. You must approach them and confront them on what you suspect to be a problem. Sit them down and have a serious conversation. Ask as many questions as you can and make sure that you listen to what your teen has to say. Sometimes the answer to why they are feeling a certain way is just under the surface waiting to be uncovered.

*Discuss. An extended conversation between you and your teen, as well as others involved in your teens life is the next step in getting to the core of the problem. People such as friends, teachers and relatives can all be talked to. Ask them if there is anything they have noticed that might lead

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