How to Stay Out of Your Teenager's Drama

Teens and toddlers often share one major behavioral aspect: a hefty sense of drama. Teens, like toddlers, are in the midst of developing a sense of individuality and independence. According to the pediatric experts at the Kids Health website, adolescence is a time when children begin to strike out on their own, moving toward a more adultlike sense of independence and friend-fueled social security. The emotional highs and lows that often go along with this stage make your teen more likely to engage in drama-surrounding conflicts, relationships and even family squabbles. Instead of hovering over your teen's drama, you can still help her while staying out of the fray.

Instructions

    • 1

      Understand where the drama is starting. You don't have to overly involve yourself to get a grip on what's going on in your child's life. While it's more likely than not that the drama stems from a fairly innocuous source such as a disagreement with a friend, there is still the possibility that something much more serious is happening. Ask a few strategic questions that won't put you in the middle of your teen's drama, but will help you to keep a watchful eye on her, and offer guidance as needed.

    • 2

      Choose your battles. If the drama relates to you, a family matter or a school matter in which you need to be involved, pick which issues or arguments actually need your attention. For example, if your teen insists on wearing -- what you think of as -- a hideously bright and bold shirt to a family reunion, don't sweat it. No one thinks that you still dress your teen, and her clothing choice doesn't reflect on your parenting. On the other hand, if your teen screams at you because you refuse to let her boyfriend sleep over, stick to your rules and put your foot down.

    • 3

      Don't hover during social situations. Your teen's friends aren't your friends too. Avoid inserting yourself in the middle of peer squabbles and disagreements. Let your teen work her friendship dramas out for herself, like an adult would.

    • 4

      Educate your teen. Instead of waiting for the full-fledged drama to start, inform your teen about certain triggers or precarious situations to avoid. This includes talking to your teen about sex, alcohol use and abuse, drug use, smoking and body image issues. Encourage your teen to come to you when she has questions, or if a problem should arise, instead of butting in when she doesn't want you to.

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