Article September 20, 1999 Issue

Help! My child is out of control!

Prayer heals behavior problems.

By Giulia N. Plum

Recently, I was having a conversation with a good friend who works as a consultant in the mental health field. She was telling me that frequently the parents who visit with her are feeling discouraged, confused, and fearful. Some describe themselves as being at their wits' end. They attribute their feelings to a difficulty they are experiencing with a son or daughter who appears to be out of control.

It may be that their child is disruptive, unable to pay attention in school, or skipping school entirely. The youngster may not listen or may have an explosive temper. Sometimes the parents suspect their child is using alcohol or drugs. Some parents are dealing with all of the above.

My friend was also sharing how very evident it is that parents have a deep desire to do the right thing for their child. Many feel unsure exactly what that is, however. In addition, the parents are feeling bad about how they are feeling. In frustration and anger they may have labeled their child a "monster," "sick," or something similar. Often this is compounded by school personnel who may be feeling just as frustrated and angry.

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