How to Deal With a Teenager's Moods

Teens and mood swings are practically synonymous. Your previously well-behaved, angelic child may have suddenly turned into someone you hardly recognize. She might love you one minute and hate you the next. Parenting a teen can be trying, but when your teen becomes moody, you might not know what to do or how to help. You're not alone -- adolescence is an emotional roller-coaster for both parents and their teens. Even though the end might not yet seem in sight, your teen will be grown before you know it. And with a bit of patience and effort, you can learn to deal with her moods.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set a reasonable bedtime for your teen. Teens need between eight and nine hours of sleep every night, yet most teens get less, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sleep deprivation can compromise normal functioning and increase mood swings. According to a study published in 2011 in the journal, "Sleep," teens who had a parent-set bedtime experienced improved sleep and better daytime functioning compared to teens whose parents did not set a bedtime.

    • 2

      Show compassion and love for your teen. Try to remember what it was like to be a teenager. Regardless of her moods, your teen needs to feel unconditional love and support to help her through the trials of adolescence. Realize that your teen's moods occur due to a combination of mostly uncontrollable factors, including hormones, academic pressure, home responsibilities and social changes, says the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.

    • 3

      Practice positive self-care measures. Taking care of yourself and engaging in stress-relieving activities is equally as important as taking care of your teen. If you don't take care of your needs, you won't be as effective a parent as you could be. In an article for "Ladies' Home Journal," parenting expert Jan Faull, M. Ed. suggests engaging in positive self-talk when the going gets rough, such as telling yourself, "This too shall pass."

    • 4

      Help your teen manage stress. Due to the pressures of adolescence, your teen might sometimes feel overwhelmed and unable to handle all of her responsibilities. Too much stress can cause your teen to feel out of control, anxious, constantly pressured, sad or depressed, says Teens Health. Encourage your teen to set aside time to engage in stress management activities, such as exercise, relaxation and enjoyable pastimes.

    • 5

      Listen to your teen when he wants to talk. Although she may push you away and act like she hates you, your teen needs you now more than ever. Be available and let her know that you are always willing to listen and want to know what's going on in her life.

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