This lack of assertiveness can even extend to parents. Some parents
may be embarrassed to ask for the addition support their child both
needs and deserves, while other parents may not be aware of the scope of
help that is available (or understand how and where to request this
help).
One of the many advantages of enrolling a struggling child into an effective therapeutic boarding school or
a similar residential program is that is presents an opportunity for
both the student and his/her parents to learn how to be assertive,
especially in situations that require them to advocate on their own
behalf (or on behalf of their children).
When a student is provided with the time, space, and guidance to
develop skills and abilities that he previously believed to be beyond
his capabilities, he is much more likely to assert his right to
additional support to continue to this progress. When parents learn that
their child's problems have very real causes and solutions – and are
not merely the result of poor parenting or being a "bad kid" –they are
more likely to develop the motivation to learn how to be assertive when
advocating on behalf of their child.
And as students and parents continue to progress in their
understanding of the challenges they face, they are also progressing in
how to be assertive when searching out solutions to these challenges.
Therapeutic boarding schools can be healing, nurturing, and supportive
environments in which students develop self-esteem, self-confidence,
self-reliance, and a willingness to access external services and
resources in their effort to better themselves.
