Dealing with Parental Guilt

At first, therapeutic boarding school seemed like a good decision. You were feeling so optimistic and hopeful for your child's future. But now she's away, you're having second thoughts. You're wondering if you could have done something to prevent the problems that led to a boarding school decision. And even if not, did you make the right decision?

First, you need to realize that no parent is perfect. Even the best of parents may experience difficulty in helping their child with substance misuse, emotional or behavioral problems. Sometimes these behaviors require professional help.

Remind yourself that you are the parent. From birth, you've made many decisions that were in the best interest of your child, even if these decisions did not make you popular with your child at the time. This is no different. Your teen was in crisis and you believe that therapeutic boarding school, with it's round the clock support from professional staff is her best opportunity to get back on track.

Spend some time reviewing the school's credentials; it's success rate, resources and advantages. Try to visualize your child after he gets the help he needs — a young person able to take advantage of opportunities and overcome challenges successfully. Most of all make an effort to be proud of having made a decision that will give your child the best opportunity for a happy and healthy future.