NCJ Number
136451
Journal
Adolescent Medicine: State of the Art Reviews Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1991) Pages: 323-326
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the self-help support group "Toughlove" which is aimed at parents whose children demonstrate serious antisocial behaviors.
Abstract
Parent-led, "Toughlove" meetings offer an affordable approach to coping with issues of substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and conduct disorder. Previous attempts by parents to control their children including restriction of privileges and consultations with mental health professionals failed to correct negative behaviors. Though the roots of these behaviors, including parental substance abuse and inactive parenting during the formative years, may explain the reasons for difficult conduct, these factors are not addressed in the meetings. Parents are encouraged to stress group love and avoid blame. Parent-nurturing teams act as surrogate parents to the acting-out adolescent and may intervene when a teenager needs temporary shelter. Goals include setting "bottom line" limits on behavior with specific consequences for adolescents who ignore the rules. Through group sharing, parents learn assertiveness and gradually restore their role within the family structure. 2 references