The PathFinder Program

Does this sound familiar?

My son/daughter was a happy kid and used to do fairly well in school. Now, as a teen, I know they’re still smart, amazing and have great potential, but something’s changed. As a good parent, I’ve provided everything they need to be happy, healthy and successful in life. But my teen is struggling with failure and unhappiness and I’m at a loss as how to support them and get them back on-course.

Or what about this “typical day” shared by many parents of teens?

Morning comes, and you’ve had a terrible sleep due to stress dreams or waking up due to stress/worry. Mornings often mean struggle or fighting with your teen as you get them up or ready for school. You might worry about them missing classes or being late … or being late for work yourself!

Evenings might include struggle or arguments over homework–you feel frustrated by their apparent lack of motivation and poor attitude. Bedtime again involves difficulty falling asleep due to worry or stress or arguing with your teen (or spouse about your approach). You feel like you have no support.

You have tried everything—bribing, punishing, books, advice, ignoring … and nothing seems to be working. Parenting was supposed to be easier, and maybe it was—with any older kids you might have.

You’ve likely hired other experts (tutors, therapists, coaches) to work with your teen—or maybe even you.

• You might be worried about their school year—failing classes, low marks
• You might be worried about their future—will they get a good job? Will they MOVE OUT?
• The stress/strain/worry might be affecting your health—your sleep, blood pressure, your drinking?
• It may also be affecting your teen’s health (or it could) – leading to self-harm, alcohol/drugs, or worse
• Your relationship may have suffered or been damaged—as you’re often mad/frustrated with each other
• It could even be affecting your marriage—always stressed or disagreeing on how to handle things.

You might find yourself thinking:

• Why don’t they listen to me?! (Nothing I try is working.)
• I don’t recognize/understand my kid anymore and it scares me.
• I don’t really know what’s going on.

Well, how did I do?

If you can relate to even a few of these points (or would like to proactively avoid them), you’ve come to the right place—because it doesn’t have to be this way …