When your child is facing emotional, behavioural, or academic challenges, the decision to seek outside help is never taken lightly. Parents often ask: Will a live-in program actually make a lasting difference in my child’s life—and in our family? At Venture Academy, this is a question we take seriously. For over a decade, we’ve supported…
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Navigating the adolescent years can be difficult for many families. Children are developing their sense of identity and independence, which often involves testing boundaries and expressing resistance to authority. While these behaviours can be part of normal development, some children exhibit defiance that is more frequent, intense, and disruptive than what is typical. For families…
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When a child begins to exhibit emotional and/or behavioural challenges—defiance, isolation, aggression, withdrawal, or risky decision-making—many Canadian parents are left asking the same question: what do we do now? Traditional school settings may lack the support structures needed to help these children succeed. As issues escalate, families may consider sending their child away for more…
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When faced with challenging behaviours in their children, many parents feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. Two common behavioural disorders—Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD)—often leave parents struggling to understand the differences and how to best help their child. While both conditions can cause significant disruption at home and in school,…
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It can be confusing and painful for a parent to witness their child acting out, withdrawing, or becoming difficult to reach. Often, these behaviours appear to come out of nowhere—unexpected outbursts, refusal to follow rules, or sudden drops in motivation and self-control. But underneath these changes, there may be deeper issues at play. Children rarely…
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We often picture summer break as a laid-back time with plenty of sun and fun. But for parents of a teenager grappling with serious emotional, behavioural, or mental health issues, the summer months can feel more like an impending storm. Without school routines and consistent oversight, children may become more vulnerable to negative influences or…
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Parenting a teenager can be challenging at the best of times—but when verbal abuse becomes part of your daily reality, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally draining. Name-calling, yelling, manipulation, and belittling comments are not just expressions of frustration—they’re forms of emotional abuse that can fracture family relationships and affect everyone involved. For family…
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For many parents, watching their child fall into the wrong peer group can be deeply concerning. Negative influences can shape a young person’s behaviour, decision-making, and self-esteem in ways that may not always be immediately noticeable. Over time, however, exposure to unhealthy friendships, peer pressure, and risky behaviours can lead to declining motivation, family conflict,…
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For many families, summer break is a welcome change from the school year, but it can also create challenges. Without structure, some teenagers struggle with motivation, time management, and social engagement. Too much idle time can lead to excessive screen use, lack of focus, and difficulty transitioning back into structured activities when fall arrives. Structured…
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects many children across Canada. Its core symptoms—impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity—often manifest in disruptive behaviours that can significantly impact a child’s life at home, school, and within social circles. For many parents, understanding the link between ADHD and behaviour is the first step toward providing…
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