How to Deal with an Emotional Teen

The adolescent years can be filled with emotional turmoil for parents and teens alike. Your teen is dealing with a host of physical, psychological and social changes that can provoke a wide range of emotional outbursts. Although hormones play a role, intense emotions and mood swings in teens can also be caused by issues like peer pressure or academic concerns, says the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. As a parent of a teenager, you may feel an increase in your own emotional reactions at times, but you can deal with your teen's emotions while not losing your mind -- and keep things on a more even keel.

Instructions

    • 1

      Encourage your teen to develop a daily stress-management routine. Many teenage emotional reactions are exacerbated by too much stress and no healthy outlet to blow off steam. High stress levels can lead to anxiety, depression and other emotional and academic problems. Suggest activities that help her focus on something other than herself. Tell your teen to take a break and unwind through healthy, stress-relieving activities, such as deep breathing, yoga, exercise or another activity she enjoys.

    • 2

      Provide a nurturing, secure home environment. Teens need to know they are safe, cared for and loved. Without a secure home environment, your teen won't feel he has a place to be himself and where he can feel free to express his emotions and concerns.

    • 3

      React calmly to your teen's emotional expressions. If you freak out, burst into tears or become angry when your teen feels anxious, depressed or frustrated, you will only exacerbate the situation and make her feel she needs to take care of you -- instead of the other way around. Respect your teen's opinions without feeling that you need to be right. Pick and choose your battles and occasionally agree to disagree.

    • 4

      Allow your teen to express his need for independence, suggests FamilyDoctor.org. Your teen needs to test the waters and pull away from the family nest at times to develop a sense of identity. If you cling to him too tightly, he may rebel and become even more emotional.

    • 5

      Give your teen plenty of alone time. She needs space and privacy to deal with her emotional ups and downs. Even though you want to help, don't barge into her room unannounced. Knock first and ask her if she wants to talk.

    • 6

      Avoid offering unsolicited advice. You might mean well, but telling your teen what to do may only increase his emotional instability and cause him to lash out at you. Listen to him without judgment or criticism. If he wants your opinion, he'll probably ask for it.

    • 7

      Take care of yourself and attend to your needs. Dealing with an emotional teen can be a tremendous source of stress. If you don't take care of yourself when you start to fall apart, you won't be any help to your teen when she needs you. Set aside some time each day to be alone and relax.

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