However, if you are dealing with a difficult or defiant teen you are already familiar with the need for more defined structure. When setting rules for difficult teens you need to create several layers of preventative rules to assist your teen. If you want your teen to maintain good grades, again you will need to create several layers of preventative rules to assist your teen. When you create several layers of preventative rules it provides your teen with the greatest amount of protection. It also allows you to be involved so that you can be aware of problems early and resolve them, before they become overwhelming.
Conflict is inevitable with difficult or defiant teens.
Therefore, consistently addressing and resolving conflicts over small issues or preventative rules such as homework, chores, dress, grooming, type of friends, curfew and dating, is your best preventative measure to avoid the large, devastating issues such as teen pregnancy, substance abuse and failing grades. 2.The rules are monitored. 3.The rules are consistently enforced. 4.The consequences used are effective as deterrents. If any of these four things are not in place it will drastically affect the compliance with the rules.