When we were kids, if my older brother acted out, invariably he’d get the, “If you don’t shape up, I’m going to send you to military school” speech from my dad. It’s a classic parenting response, (and a fate my brother narrowly escaped) but also an option that many parents consider every day. If you have a defiant, acting out teen or pre-teen, chances are you’re looking for an effective way to get your child back on track — and the thought of a military academy might have started to sound good.

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When we were stuck in the muck of substance abuse, anger, belligerence and failed probation with our son, I didn’t know where to turn.  Other parents who were also struggling didn’t want to share. There didn’t seem to be a clearinghouse of information or resources, yet I knew there had to be help and information available. But where?  Luckily, there are professionals who can guide you through the process of finding a program to help your child and provide relief to you.

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It’s been a big year in parenting news, from “The World’s Meanest Mom” to the Nebraska Safe Haven law, controversy over the growing number of parents refusing vaccines, to the heartbreaking story, still unfolding, of Caylee Anthony. Here at EP, we’ve been blogging on these topics and more all year, and you’ve been responding in droves with your insights, opinions and questions. On behalf of everyone here at EP, thank you for reading and adding your voice to our community of 150,000 parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers.

So here they are, without further adieu — your top EP blog posts of 2008…

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Next week our son Matt will graduate from college.

I couldn’t think of a more magnificent gift during this season. It reflects the hope and joy that all parents of struggling teens pray and yearn for, but don’t believe will ever come. I know. I was in that place.

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Has anyone out there ever sent their teen to a boot camp, and if so, was it a good experience for your child? I’ve heard good and bad things over the years, myself. My friend’s son had a great experience at wilderness camp, and really turned his life around. Another friend’s teen-age son also had an incredible experience at a similar type of camp, but in his case the life-changing part only lasted about 2 weeks, according to my friend, when he reverted to his old ways once home. So far I haven’t personally known anyone who has been injured or hurt at camp, but I’m curious to hear if any of you have. Read more »

Last year, a friend of mine sent her out-of-control teenage son to a well-respected, accredited wilderness camp for the summer, where he apparently thrived. And when he got back, things were great at home—for about a week. “In about 2 weeks he turned back into the same old Drew– if possible, he has even been worse,” she told me. Sad to say, this is not unsurprising. Many experts agree that boot camps, which typically last anywhere from a week to 30 days (and can cost $5,000-$10,000) do not offer long term benefits because of their short duration. The advice from professionals? If you’re considering this for your child this summer, have a plan in place–and stick to it–when your son or daughter comes back home. This will help keep your child (and your entire family) on track, and to support the experience kid has in boot camp or on a wilderness trip.