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…
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…
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,…
While occasional anger is a normal emotion, individuals with intermittent explosive disorder struggle to control their outbursts. They may find themselves getting mad over little things that do not typically elicit such a strong reaction. This can lead to strained relationships, employment issues, legal problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life. If your child is…
Narcissistic abuse can have a devastating impact on a teenager. This type of abuse is characterised by manipulation, control, and emotional or psychological harm inflicted by someone with a narcissistic personality disorder. As a parent, it can be heart-wrenching to see your teen suffer from the effects of narcissistic abuse. You may feel helpless and…
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health condition that can significantly impact a child’s behaviour. Teenagers with conduct disorder often exhibit a consistent pattern of aggression, rule-breaking, deceitfulness, and defiance. For parents, dealing with these behaviours can be incredibly challenging and stressful. Understanding the nature of conduct disorder and knowing how to effectively navigate these…
Is your child constantly refusing to go to school? Are mornings a constant battle? Does your pre-teen or teen pretend to go to school, then never arrives or walks out after checking in? You’re not alone. School refusal is a significant and growing concern with more and more children finding it difficult to attend school…
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that manifests in various social, communicative, and behavioural challenges. Among these challenges, aggression and rage can be particularly distressing—not only for the child experiencing autism but for their families and caregivers as well. Aggressive behaviours such as hitting can signal underlying frustrations and difficulties that require…
Autism is a complex, multifaceted condition that touches the lives of many individuals and families. With a rising prevalence in today’s society, understanding what autism is becomes pivotal in fostering empathy, knowledge, and support for those affected. If your teen is struggling to navigate an autism diagnosis, Venture Academy can help. Call 866.762.2211 or contact…
Adolescence is a time of change, both physically and emotionally. As teens navigate these changes, they often face new challenges and try to balance their school work, social life, and extracurricular activities. With so much on their plate, it’s no wonder that many teenagers stay up late into the night, trying to squeeze everything in.…