What do you do when your 15 year old is out of control?

Asked by: Arnulfo Hessel DDS  |  Last update: February 5, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (53 votes)

When your 15-year-old is out of control, focus on building open communication, setting clear boundaries with consistent consequences, understanding underlying issues like mental health, and seeking professional help if behaviors are dangerous or extreme, while also ensuring you're caring for your own well-being. Connect with them by listening without judgment, creating structure, and avoiding blame, but don't hesitate to involve therapists, doctors, or support lines for serious concerns like violence, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts.

Who to call if a teenager is out of control?

When should parents call 911 to get help from the police? You should call 911 when your child's behavior is beyond your ability to control it and the child is … 1. A danger to others—the child directs dangerous physical action at others.

What to do when you can't handle your child anymore?

If you feel unable to look after your child

It's not always easy to admit to yourself or other people when you feel like you can't cope. Support services are there to help you, not judge you. Telling someone what you're going through is the first step to getting support.

What is the hardest age for a teenager?

Peak teen: Are the teen years 14-16 the hardest part? Many parents say that the toughest teen years are around 14 to 16. This is when a child can appear to be rebelling against you and may seem actively hostile.

What is an out of control teenager behavior?

Warning Signs of an Out of Control Teenager

Extreme defiance: Repeatedly breaking the rules, lying, or refusing to listen. Aggressive or violent behavior: Getting into physical fights, destroying property, or having physical outbursts. Substance use: Abuse of alcohol, drugs, or vaping as a coping mechanism.

How To Discipline A Teenager Who Doesn’t Care About Consequences

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What are the red flags for 15 year old developmental stage?

15-Year-Old Developmental Red Flags

Frequently isolating themselves. Changes in eating habits. Excessive anger or aggressiveness. Drastic mood swings.

How to deal with a mentally unstable teenager?

Ways to Support Your Child or Teen's Mental Wellness

  1. Check in with your child or teen. ...
  2. Listen more than you talk, and truly hear what your child is saying. ...
  3. Encourage your child to keep talking. ...
  4. Encourage your child to learn about and label their emotions, and to accept all emotions.

What is the #1 killer of teens?

Accidents account for nearly one-half of all teenage deaths. As a category of accidents, motor vehicle fatality is the leading cause of death to teenagers, representing over one-third of all deaths.

Why is 15 a difficult age?

Fifteen-year-olds can seem moody, unpredictable, confusing, and even challenging for adults, parents, and caregivers. You'll notice your teen testing limits, spending less time with you and more with friends, and wanting more privacy.

What is the 7 7 7 rule in parenting?

At its core, the 7-7-7 rule is exactly what it sounds like: spend 7 minutes in the morning, 7 minutes after school or work, and 7 minutes before bed in a dedicated, undivided connection with your child.

Where can I send my child who is out of control?

If your son's behavior is out of control and you feel powerless to help him, a therapeutic boarding school could be the best solution. These schools offer a unique combination of therapeutic intervention, academic support, and life skills development in a structured and nurturing environment.

What is the 9 minute rule for kids?

9 Minutes of Conversation

Depending on age, children need at least 9 total minutes of eye-to-eye “face time.” It may be 9 minutes straight, or a minute here and there. Babies need a lot of contact with their parents—look at them and talk with them often (it doesn't matter what you say).

How to deal with kids who don't care about consequences?

Here are 10 tips for how to give consequences that work—even when kids say they don't care.

  1. Use Consequences That Have Meaning. ...
  2. Don't Try to Appeal to His Emotions with Speeches. ...
  3. Make Consequences Black and White. ...
  4. Talk to Your Child About Effective Problem-Solving. ...
  5. Don't Get Sucked into an Argument over Consequences.

Where can I send my out of control teenage daughter?

Where Can I Send My Out of Control Teenager?

  • One-to-one therapy sessions with a licensed therapist. Therapy allows the teen to share any problems or issues that might be driving the defiant behavior. ...
  • Family therapy. ...
  • Peer group sessions. ...
  • Experiential therapy. ...
  • Schooling.

Where can I send my child with behaviour problems?

If your family member is under 18, the local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) are the NHS service that helps children and young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health problems.

Can you give your teenager to the state?

Although voluntarily giving your child to the state isn't typically a possibility, you can sometimes place them with the state through respite foster care. This is like temporary legal guardianship, but you would be placing your child with the state instead of a family member or friend.

What to do when you can't handle your teenager?

Tip 1: Connect with your troubled teen

  1. Be aware of your own stress levels. ...
  2. Be there for your teen. ...
  3. Find common ground. ...
  4. Listen without judging or giving advice. ...
  5. Expect rejection. ...
  6. Establish boundaries, rules and consequences. ...
  7. Try to understand what's behind the anger. ...
  8. Be aware of anger warning signs and triggers.

What is typical 15-year-old behavior?

Typical teen behavior might include: Testing boundaries and breaking rules. Not wanting help from their parents. Not wanting to share what's going on in their lives. Rejecting things they enjoyed or cared about in childhood.

Why are teenagers so hard to parent?

The adolescent experience has a lot of moving parts that often conflict. Some of this is happening within their body and brain and some in their environment. As you may have noticed, adolescents can be unreliable and moody. Just when it seems like everything's all good, bam, it's not.

What are the top 3 leading causes of death for ages 15 24?

Accidents (unintentional injuries) Homicide. Suicide.

How often should teens see a doctor?

Scheduling. Most teens should have a well-check visit every 1 to 2 years. If your teen needs a physical exam for sports or camp, please make sure the appointment takes place at least a week before any forms are due.

What diseases affect teens' mental health?

  • Introduction. ...
  • Anxiety Disorders. ...
  • Mood Disorders and Depression. ...
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. ...
  • Disruptive Behavior Disorders. ...
  • Borderline Personality Disorder. ...
  • Somatization Disorders. ...
  • Suicidal Thoughts.

Where can I send my daughter who is out of control?

Where can I send my out-of-control teenager for help? Embark offers specialized programs, including residential treatment and family counseling designed for out-of-control youth, adolescents, and teens.

How to parent a rebellious teen?

Addressing teenage rebellion requires setting clear expectations, prioritizing battles, using positive reinforcement, and seeking professional guidance if necessary. To begin, it is important to establish clear and reasonable expectations for behavior.

What is the first stage of a mental breakdown?

The onset phase – This stage is reached when you recognize that certain days are more stressful than others. You have insufficient time for personal needs, family, and friends. As you struggle to keep up with your stressful schedule and workload, your productivity levels begin to diminish.