Acclaimed film ‘Thirteen' dealt with the controversial topic of teenage trouble - trouble that they have within themselves and the trouble that their inner turmoil cause to people around them. Through books, films and real-life experiences we have all learnt about a troubled mind some time or the other. Let's face it, we have all had gone through turbulent times in our teenage to some degree or the other. Most of us have managed to survive it and some of us still remember the phase as if it happened yesterday.

Troubled teen is not a problem, but ignoring it is one. As parents, we need to first accept that teenage is a difficult phase to deal with and that we must try our best to extend our help in any way possible. Putting your kid in a boarding school is not taking them to Alcatraz, neither is taking them to someone who can constructively guide them is merely taking them to a ‘shrink'. Today, you have a number of ways to help your troubled teen. There are options that won't cost you a fortune. Learning in details about such programs will help you help your kid. Don't let it turn in to a ‘problem'.

At alternative schools for troubled teens, you can gain detailed knowledge on how to help your troubled teen cope with life correctly. You can choose from a number of programs. You have programs where:

* You will be offered live support to help your child understand the importance of self reliance, responsibility, team work, accountability etc. You can practice all that at your home and do not need to put your child in a school.

* You can opt for boarding schools where modern technologies are used to help children attain emotional growth. Here your child will be helped in achieving a lifestyle change and go through mental, physical and emotional growth.

* You can evaluate your teen's needs by taking a test and then choose the program that you deem necessary for your child.

* The teens are given professional help in a controlled environment.

* You as parents along with the siblings of the troubled child will be provided necessary skills to keep supporting even after graduation from the schools.

* Your troubled teen can opt for individual therapy too.

* There are parent-teen weekends to evaluate the progress and discuss further obstacles. You can engage in fun activities with your teen helping them interact with you in a less-strained environment.

Choosing the right program for your child is your first step towards helping him or her have a bright future. Troubled teens need understanding and at the same time discipline, they need love and the same time become accountable to someone, they need freedom to explore their needs but at the same time understand the need of being responsible. Often such lessons can only be instilled in young minds in professional environments and from experienced people.

Also it may be that your kid does not even need help! Take the test and see for yourself.