Vets Helping Teens Avoid Life Changing Mistakes

A war veteran is urging the federal government to fund a military style youth intervention program to help get troubled youth back on track.

Daimien Patterson, founder of V4Y, said not enough is being done to help kids before they get into trouble. “So many kids, especially those from single parent families are at crisis point.  The problem is they need help and cannot afford to access intervention programs like ours because the government doesn’t provide funding,” he said.

“We have parents calling us daily, worried about the direction their teenager is heading but until they get into trouble, there is nothing out there. They are at their wits end. They can see the slippery slope their child is on and have nowhere to turn except for mainstream options.

“Mum calls us to seek help with her 16-year-old, who is now taller than her, stronger than her and she knows she is losing control. When you are on a single wage, your options are limited.”

V4Y is a program using Defence Force veterans to run personal development programs for youths.  With two programs over school holidays catering for boys and girls aged 9 to 11 years and 12 to 17 years, it focuses on developing their self-discipline, self-motivation, self-confidence, self-respect, and respect for others.

“We also emphasise the importance of values, teamwork, and accountability. Our program helps to prepare them to handle the challenges of school and life so they can better integrate with society and become responsible young adults,” Patterson said.

Patterson said while it is easy to blame parents for the child’s bad behaviour, it is important to consider how a teenager’s brain works when it comes to interacting with their parent/s.

“A parent’s job is to love their child unconditionally; that has its pros and cons. The pro is regardless of what the child does, a parent will always love their child.  The child knows that and as master manipulators, take advantage of that.,” he said.

“Teenagers are motivated by three things – peer acceptance, fun and material gain. Unfortunately, with the influx of video games, mass marketing at kids and the increasing pressure to be like everyone else, teenagers are not learning the values that help them stay out of trouble.

“Yet, when they spend 10 days with us, being guided by our veterans, there is an incredible change in mindset and attitude.  As parents, we have all experienced our child ignoring our good advice and listening to a trusted family friend.

“When the kids get in the space of the vets who volunteer their time with us, people who have served their country, the mystique the kids hold them in is influential in changing their values.”

Patterson said it time to stop being wishy washy with teenagers. “We can wrap them up in cotton wool but that is not going to produce resilient adult,” he said.

“The Federal Government has an opportunity to fund a unique program that is attracting attention globally to really make a dent in the challenges facing our young people.”

www.v4y.com.au

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