Many delinquent acts—theft, vandalism, substance use—provide an immediate dopamine hit. To "train" a teen out of these habits, you must help them find healthy alternatives that offer a similar sense of thrill or mastery.

: Building strong, positive relationships so the teen avoids delinquency to prevent disappointing loved ones.

Training a delinquent teen requires a comprehensive approach that addresses their emotional, social, and behavioral needs. Here are some strategies to help you train a delinquent teen:

You cannot train a delinquent teen if you are exhausted, depressed, or enraged.

Week 4 — Emotion Regulation & Anger Management

Focus on being a consultant rather than a boss. Offer choices with clear, logical consequences instead of arbitrary punishments. 2. Radical Consistency

After 7–10 days of consistent contract enforcement, introduce tiny, high-visibility trust trials. These are small responsibilities that, if successful, grant minor privileges back—but failure resets the clock.