This program is a gift for struggling teenagers.

I cannot even put into words what you have done for my son and our family as a whole. This program is a gift for struggling teenagers. The skills that they learn at IDYCA in addition to the credit recovery will stay with them for years to come. We are so blessed to have this program in our state!

(Letter to Parents) Hi Parents….I have been thinking a lot about all of you and what you’re going through. I have noticed several people commenting on the struggle of sending your child away to IDYCA. I wanted to post as this was something my husband and I struggled with while our son was away. You should not feel like a failure because you were not able to affect the changes that you will see in your child. We all traveled on different paths that led us to Pierce, however the one thing we all have in common was that we reached a ledge. A ledge where we no longer have the answers or are able to motivate our kids to cross that invisible line between childhood and adulthood. Our kids will push for the freedom of adulthood, but aren’t willing to accept the responsibilities that come with that freedom.

They too are on the same ledge and while many (my son especially) have a false bravado, where they act like they have all the answers and they think they can make it on their own. They act like we just make it look tough, but there’s no way being an adult is that hard. This is all a mask….I believe that they will not admit it, but really they’re terrified of adulthood and the responsibilities.

I strongly feel that the reason they will have success at IDYCA is the lack of an emotional connection (at first at least) to the staff. Our children know that we will always love them that we can’t help it, even when they’re acting like fools. The staff at IDYCA don’t have to love our children, but our children want to earn the respect and approval of the staff so they work at it. It is not personal, it is just human nature.

Also, the program is setup to give them small incremental “wins”….if they set a small goal and then reach it, it is a win. They then realize they like the way that feels so they work hard to keep winning. I think these two things are a large part of why this works.

Keep your heads up and know that it gets easier and the time really does start flying by, especially when you start living Sunday to Sunday for those phone calls. I am so happy that you are all here and that your kids accepted the Challenge. Those that complete the program will be so happy they did it!