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Whetstone Helps Teen Boys Deal with Anger

Whetstone Boys Ranch understands that teen boys generally enter their adolescent years as rambunctious, talkative, young men interested in just about everything that keeps their attention. And then, something happens, something deceptive you cannot put your finger on.

 But slowly, your usually kind boy, the little boy who loved to be tickled and play with you may roll his eyes at a conversation and leave you, especially in public. He starts to internalize his deepest thoughts and dreams alone, if at all, rather than with you. He becomes obsessed with gaming, friends, and even girls. He may drop out of soccer, football or basketball, quit the youth group, and declare that his best friends are his family. 

As he begins hormonal changes, anger can take the family for a surprising turn in conversation at dinner as he insists he wants to eat in his room. He never wants to have a night at home with mom and dad or spend time with his siblings. It’s hard not to ask yourself where you may have gone wrong. You are not alone in this quest. Although some rebellion is normal, there is no excuse for outright anger towards you and his siblings. 

The Downward Spiral of Anger in Teen Boys

For young teen boys, becoming a man, and proving manhood to his friends for respect can cause rash decisions and poor choices. This downward cycle becomes a vacuum that some boys have a difficulty coming out of. Because this situation is truly not who the teen boy is, he becomes even more angry and frustrated, setting off anger and potential aggravation that can turn into violence if escalated.

Does your young boy tend to yell and scream or say hurtful, mean, disrespectful things? Does he throw things, kick or punch walls, break stuff? Hit someone, hurt themself, or push and shove others around?

For most people who have trouble harnessing a hot temper, reacting like this is not what they want. They feel ashamed by their behavior and don’t think it reflects the real them, their best selves. Managing anger is about developing new skills and new responses. As with any skill, like playing basketball or learning the piano, it helps to practice over and over again.

When to Ask for Extra Help

Sometimes anger is a sign that more is going on. People who have frequent trouble with anger, who get in fights or arguments, who get punished, who have life situations that give them reason to be angry may need special help to get a problem with anger under control.

Here are some signs that your young teen may need help in dealing with his anger:

  • They have a lasting feeling of anger over things that have either happened to them in the past or are going on now.
  • Irritable, grumpy, or in a bad mood more often than not.
  • Consistently angry or raging at themself.
  • Anger that lasts for days or makes them want to hurt themself or someone else.
  • Often in fights or arguments

Anger is a strong emotion. It can feel overwhelming at times. Learning how to deal with strong emotions — without losing control — is part of our program that restores troubled young teen boys to health. It takes a little effort, a little practice, and a little patience, and we’re here to help your teen boy effectively deal with his anger.

Whetstone Boys Ranch is a therapeutic Christian school that serves struggling boys (ages 12-16) and their families. Here boys live, learn, work and grow as they experience essential individual, group and family therapy, excellent academics, exciting outdoor adventures, and useful hands-on tasks. We believe in sharpening the character of young men to become true servant-leaders in their families and communities.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17 NIV

Since 2011, Whetstone’s purpose centers on the reconciliation of boys and their families. Whetstone treats struggles such as anger, depression, low self-esteem and trauma with a loving, systems-based approach. And this comprehensive method of treatment and restoration sets us apart.

We want to help your boy with his anger issues.
Please call us today. (417) 934-1112

 

I would HIGHLY recommend Whetstone to anyone who has a son who’s struggling. We sent a 15-year-old boy to the ranch and he came back a confident young man! The staff is wonderful – so full of grace & love for these boys. It was worth every penny we spent and I am so thankful for them!!

Michelle

I’ll keep this short and sweet. My son went to Whetstone because he was out of control at home. Details aren’t necessary, but suffice it is to say the home life situation was untenable. Through the love, patience, and wisdom of the Whetstone staff, my son was basically transformed over nine months. All the exact factors that drove that change can’t be reduced to a formula, but his time there being surrounded by godly men had an absolutely profound impact on him. I cannot endorse this program more highly.

Michael

A great and life-changing experience. I miss the place.

Former Resident

I highly recommend Whetstone Boys Ranch. The staff is individuals of high character, very loving and very good at what they do. The ranch provided a positive and supportive environment for my son to heal and grow.

Ken

Overall we had a positive experience. There were many difficult days but in the end, it was what our family and son needed – a break, an opportunity to change a negative pattern. Our son is thriving now and I’m not sure we would be where we are without Whetstone’s help. I can see how it might not be the right setting for everyone but it was for us. Our son was known, held accountable, challenged, and rewarded.

Carrie

Whetstone was definitely the right place at the right time for our son. It may not be right for everyone but it was the perfect fit for our family. It wasn’t easy but Whetstone made a huge positive difference in our son’s personal growth. The men and women who work at Whetstone are amazing individuals who guide the boys to the very best of their ability.

Dale

As the mother of a young man who graduated the program (and returned two years later as an intern), I cannot sing the praises of Whetstone enough. Thank you for transforming lives and infusing hope.

Elise

I am so proud of these young men who have dedicated their lives to helping boys become men. God bless you Axle and Jeremy as you serve Him.

Carol

Whetstone Boys Ranch offers an exceptional, caring, and expertly executed program to help young men who struggle with ADHD, family, or other issues. The staff members and counselors are absolutely top-notch and put the needs of each resident first as if they were their own children. They are all in and do everything they can to help each boy and their parents. Their program is the real deal. You will not find another boarding school with a finer team or program.

Roger
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