How to Handle the Moodiness of Adolescence 

Adolescence can be a turbulent time for teens and their parents. Teenagers struggle to regulate their emotions and hormones and bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood. This can be frustrating, confusing, and scary. Parents are trying to determine how to support their teens during this phase of life. It’s not easy, but it is possible. You can read about the various challenges of adolescence to get a sense of perspective on your experiences with your child. Here are some ways parents can be there for their teens during adolescence and make it through turbulent times.

Adolescence is temporary

One thing to keep in mind is adolescence is temporary. It is a phase that we all go through in life. If you’re a parent, it can be heartbreaking to watch your teen going through the moodiness and instability that comes with adolescence. You may feel frustrated and angry trying to handle their moods. If you’re a teenager, it could feel like this time in your life will never end. The good news is that adolescence is fleeting. Before you know it, a teen will be an adult. Whether you’re a teen or a parent, you will look back at this time and remember that you got through it. 

Go with the flow

Adolescence can be overwhelming to the entire family unit. Parents may have the urge to stop their team from behaving in a rebellious way. These moments can be uncomfortable and upsetting. It’s hard to watch your child appear out of control. The natural inclination is to prevent them from hurting themselves and others. Sometimes we try to control things when they are uncontrollable, and that applies to adolescence. One thing that can help is to go with the flow. You can’t change the moodiness of adolescence because teens are mercurial by nature. Meet your child where they’re at rather than forcing them to stay calm or stop being so angry. Sometimes that means asking them for what they need, and other times, it means listening. One crucial aspect of being a teenager’s parent is riding the waves of adolescent moodiness.

Listen to your child 

Teenagers want to be heard. Teens may not understand the many challenges they’re facing. They want a sounding board, and you as a parent are one of the best resources they can use. When your child approaches you and wants to talk about what’s happening in their life, it’s critical to make time for them. Naturally, parents are busy trying to support the household. However, it’s important to make time for your teenager. Sometimes they may push you away, and other times they’re counting on you to hear their problems. Maybe they want to vent, or perhaps they want advice. It starts with listening to your teen so that they know you care.

Set boundaries 

You can be empathetic to your teenager when they are moody. However, it’s okay to set boundaries. You don’t need to be treated poorly just because they’re going through a difficult time. You deserve to be treated with respect. It’s okay to set limitations when your teenager is rude to you. Setting these boundaries will teach them important lessons about respect. That way, they will learn what is respectful in a relationship. You’re modeling behavior that they will use in other connections in their life. Don’t be afraid that you’re being too harsh when setting a boundary with your teen. It’s about teaching your child how to relate to others.

Empower your teen

Teenagers are looking to adults for guidance even if they appear to be pushing them away. One thing that you can do as a parent is to empower your teenager. Show them that they have the tools to solve their problems. You can offer guidance if they need it and encourage them to come up with solutions to their life challenges. Ask them what they think they should do to handle a particular situation. When you empower a teenager to use their voice, they will grow up to be more self-confident. You can create a balance between giving advice and helping them to come to the solution themselves. 

Get help 

If your teen is struggling with moodiness, it could be something more severe than hormones. Perhaps they have a mental health condition. It’s okay to seek help for your teenager if they’re struggling. If you’re an adolescent and experiencing mental health challenges, it’s okay to tell an adult so that they can support you. There are many resources for teenagers, including online therapy and in-person treatment. You can find therapy that works for you and your family. Teens can get therapeutic services and work through the struggles of adolescence. Many mental health professionals understand the challenges of being a teen and want to help these young people have a sense of what they’re experiencing to feel more secure. 

 

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics.

Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com.

With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with
mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.