Have you noticed your teenager is moodier than usual? Although frustrating and challenging to deal with at times, this is an entirely normal and common occurrence as children transition to adulthood. During this time, hormones begin surging and will cause a change in a teenager's behavior and mood, making it harder for them to gain emotional control over their actions. In addition, hormonal changes can impact a teenager's brain chemistry, causing them to lash out or engage in rebellious behavior. So, what can you do when dealing with a moody teenager, and how can you take proper steps to continuously meet their needs? In this blog, we're detailing the simple ways to handle moody teenagers without losing your cool.
#1. Be Patient and Give Your Teen Space, Even When It's Hard to Do
Having patience is one of the most effective ways of dealing with a moody teenager. It's not always easy to put up with someone who insists on arguing back or continues to go through a rollercoaster of emotions within a few hours. As a result, you may find yourself running out of patience and getting frustrated. When you start to feel this way, take a step back and remind yourself that you were a teen going through these same emotions at one point.
Of course, this doesn't mean you need to allow your teen to disrespect you. However, instead of taking their bad mood personally, try to say, "I know you're not in the best mood, but please be kind. Take some time for yourself to relax. We can talk about what's bothering you when you're ready to talk." Giving your teen a bit of space while having patience can make a difference.
#2. Be an Active Listener
When dealing with moody teenagers, being an active listener is in your best interest. Many times, teens lash out because they feel like no one listens or understands them. They feel like they're not heard or respected because of their age. You don't want your teenager to feel that way, so lend an ear whenever they want or need to talk to you. Don't be judgemental; just listen and allow them to do the talking. You can even offer some valuable unbiased advice to make them feel better.
#3. Encourage Healthy Ways to Cope with Negative Emotions
Always encourage your teen to find healthy, effective ways to cope with their emotions. For example, instead of sitting alone in a quiet room where they may feel isolated and alone, you may encourage different activities, such as going for a walk, participating in a sport, or even listening to music. While there is nothing wrong with alone time or crying it out, you also want to show your teen that it's possible to deal with various emotions, such as stress, anger, frustration, and even disappointment, in healthier ways.
If you're struggling to meet your teen's needs because of their moody behavior and believe they could use extra assistance with their behavior and emotional control, a coach can help! Schedule a discovery call with Walk Forward Coaching today to get started.
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