Chapter 2 Your Family 51
or a parent. The violent outburst
may involve hitting, kicking, biting,
or threatening or causing bodily
harm in another way. Because the
family is usually a source of love
and comfort, violence in the home is
damaging to all family members.
People who abuse others are
usually angry, frustrated, unhappy,
and insecure. They are often afraid
and confused. They feel they have
lost control of their lives so they
strike out at others. Children who
have suffered family abuse have the
potential to become abusive as adults.
They learned a pattern of behavior
that involved physical or verbal
abuse. Children in abusive situations,
however, can also become stronger and
fi nd ways to get the help they need.
Coping with Change
Not all changes in a family are
sad, confusing, or stressful. Many
can be happy and challenging.
Some cause minor changes and
others major changes. The following
techniques can help family members
cope with or adjust to change.
• Accept the change. Ignoring
it will not make it go away. To
accept it will be less stressful
than if you try to pretend it
is not happening. Talk over
adjustments you will need to
make with your family. Share
ideas that will make the change
as smooth as possible.
• Prepare for the change. Perhaps
there is something you can do
to get ready. This will make the
actual change easier. Suppose
you are moving to a new city
or state. Find out as much as
you can about the new location.
Search for someone who once
Social Service Organizations
Many local organizations can provide help
in cases of family violence. You can fi nd numbers
for help organizations online or in the telephone
book under “Social Service Organizations” or
“Crisis Intervention.” Also, look under the county
name and the Department of Human Services,
Social Services, or Public Welfare. The local police
department may have a juvenile offi cer trained to
assist families. Many religious organizations can
provide counseling. Do not be afraid to ask for help,
support, or guidance for you or your family. People
should not have to live in fear.
Community Connections
Life Connections
Coping with Crises
Teens react to family crises events in different
ways. Some run away from their problems—they leave
home. They believe they can leave their problems
behind. These teens soon fi nd a new set of problems
on the street. They often become victims of crime.
Their money is soon gone or stolen. They cannot
afford food and safe shelter. With little education, they
cannot get good jobs. By trying to leave their problems
behind, personal crises occur from the stress of trying
to survive.
Another less-stressful option for dealing with
crises is to seek help and support from relatives,
friends, or neighbors. A school guidance counselor or
another trusted adult might be able to help, as well.
People who care about you may be able to provide
emotional support during a challenging time.
Writing Activity
Sometimes writing about your feelings helps
to ease the stress involved with trying to solve
diffi culties. Spend some time writing in your journal
about any challenges you or your friends face today.
Brainstorm all possible solutions, whether or not you
think them feasible. New ideas may come out of this
exercise that could help everyone dealing with crises.