12-step Program

HeartCry

A support group for mothers of rebellious teens/young adults

The HeartCry 12-step Program

HeartCry is based on a twelve-step program, designed to help you move from feelings of helplessness to hopefulness. Each step generally builds on the previous step, although you may find it necessary to return to an earlier step as you gain insight into the process.

Step 1 We admitted our child had rejected our moral values and had rebelled against authority.

Step 2 We grieved the loss of our relationship with our child and the expectations we had for our child’s future.

Step 3 We released our burden of guilt as we came to understand that God did not hold us accountable for our child’s choices.

Step 4 We recognized we were powerless to change our child’s destructive behavior and that our worry was unproductive.

Step 5 We acknowledged that God was working all things together for his good purpose.

Step 6 We developed healthy coping strategies, including an emotional support system.

Step 7 We refused to support our child’s destructive behavior on any level and allowed our child to experience the natural consequences of his or her actions.

Step 8 We acknowledged the negative impact our child was having on our family relationships and took necessary steps to restore peace, separating ourselves from our child if necessary.

Step 9 We made a conscious decision to continue to love our child unconditionally and to uphold our child in prayer.

Step 10 We forgave our child the hurt they had caused us and remained open to the possibility of future reconciliation.

Step 11 We relinquished our hold on our child and accepted that our parenting work was done.

Step 12 We found hope and joy as we trusted God with our child’s future.