Dear GhanaWeb: How do I handle my 17-year-old brother who is becoming unmanageable?

Dear GhanaWeb,

I am writing to seek advice on how to handle my 17-year-old brother, who is becoming increasingly unmanageable.

Recently, my brother's behaviour has taken a troubling turn, and I am concerned about how to address it before it becomes more serious.

I was at work when I received a call from his school informing me that he had been involved in an incident where he was beaten by some boys in town for attempting to steal a phone. As a result, he was dismissed from the school. Although I was asked to come for him, I managed to negotiate for him to be deboarded instead.

Upon returning home for vacation, his behaviour has only worsened. He has been stealing money from our family business, which we are currently trying to revive.

When asked to account for the items sold in the shop, his reports do not match up with the actual sales.

Whenever confronted about his actions, he becomes angry and often leaves the house for extended periods of time, only to return with more trouble. This has resulted in financial losses for our family, and I am hesitant to involve our ailing mother as I fear it may worsen her condition.

My brother was once a well-behaved boy, and I am at a loss as to what has caused this sudden change in his behaviour.

I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to address and manage his behavior before it spirals out of control.

Dear GhanaWeb is a relationship and lifestyle advice column by GhanaWeb where the GhanaWeb audience responds to your questions and problems about relationships at home, work, and beyond. Share yours with GhanaWeb at features@ghanaweb.com: