How to Handle Teen Drama & Parents in Middle School

The middle school years can be particularly turbulent for teens, causing problems for parents who want to avoid an ongoing soap opera around the house. Teen drama might take the form of tears, rage, sulking or squabbling that can be stressful for the family. Additionally, as teens invest more time and energy in their peer relationships, parents might find themselves wondering how to handle communicating with other parents whose values or parenting styles differ from their own. Don̵7;t add to the drama by seeking confrontation with these individuals; instead, look for common ground.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stay calm when your teenager begins acting overly dramatic, according to the Metro Parent Publishing Group online parenting community, Metroparent.com. Allowing your own emotions to take over will only worsen the situation, so instead explain that acting dramatic does not help solve any problem. Asking your middle schooler to go to another room while she calms down gives her the time and space to consider why she feels the need to act dramatic.

    • 2

      Ask for details and more information when you hear about a dramatic situation with friends, advice shared by psychologist Dr. Irene S. Levine, writing on the "Psychology Today" website. As your teen explains what might have happened at school earlier that day, you can ask directed questions that will help her determine her own responsibility in the situation. Talking it through might also help her realize that the situation isn̵7;t as bad as she previously thought.

    • 3

      Require teens to put their drama in writing when appropriate, as described by NPR.org. When teens get overwhelmed in their own drama, putting reflections on paper can help sort out what actually happened and how they became entangled in the drama. Middle school students could also write letters to others involved in the drama to apologize when necessary. Reflections and letters can be tools to help parents determine whether additional consequences are necessary. For example, if a teenager genuinely seems contrite or disappointed in herself in a written reflection, it may not be necessary to pile on disciplinary action.

    • 4

      Talk about neutral topics with your child̵7;s friends, not hot topics like religion, sex, their family̵7;s finances or other subjects that could cause their parents to become upset, info supplied by journalist By Linda Rodgers, writing on the "Woman̵7;s Day" website. Establish a positive relationship with the parents of your middle schooler̵7;s good friends by inviting them over for coffee or dinner. This could help you build a cooperative history to help get both families through the upcoming high school years.

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