How to Deal with Typical Teenage Behavior

The adolescent years are often tumultuous and trying for both parents and teens. At times, you might wonder what happened to your previously sweet, loving and obedient child. Many bothersome or trying behaviors, such as emotional outbursts or breaking curfew, are normal in teenagers, but they might make you feel that you're at the end of your rope. You don't have to pull out your hair in frustration or engage in a constant battle with your teen. Instead, you can deal with typical teenage behavior and maintain a positive, loving relationship with your child.

Instructions

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      Read about adolescent development, suggests KidsHealth.org. Learn about what constitutes normal and abnormal behavior. If you know what to expect, you'll be better prepared to handle situations when they arise. Also, if you recognize the behavior as normal, it may be less stressful for you, while if based on what you've learned, you don't think the behavior is normal, you will know to call a children's mental health specialist.

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      Listen to your teen when he asks for advice or reaches out for help. Many parents who are distracted by work or other responsibilities don't devote enough time to listening and communicating with their teens, says Focus Adolescent Services. Your teen might act out or rebel as a way of catching your attention. Listen when he wants to talk, and show interest in his life. Change your perspective about communication -- listening doesn't mean giving unsolicited advice or judging your teen's decisions. Try to put yourself in his place and really understand what he is saying and feeling. Your teen may feel more relaxed and be more apt to open up when you are dong something together such as washing dishes or taking a walk.

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      Avoid snapping at your teen when he pushes you away or seems to hate you, advises child and family psychologist Nadine Kaslow in an article for WebMD. One of the developmental goals of adolescence is separating from the family unit and finding a unique sense of identity. Your teen needs to push you away to test his faith in himself and his abilities. If you feel stung by your teen's rejection, you may feel tempted to respond in kind. Instead, stay calm and show compassion -- recall what your own adolescence was like and try to put yourself in his shoes.

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      Set consequences for breaking the rules. You can be compassionate and understanding of your teen's struggles, but that doesn't mean you need to be a doormat. Set limits, but reward trustworthy behaviors, advises KidsHealth.org. For example, if your teen consistently adheres to his normal curfew, make it 30 minutes later to show him that you appreciate his respect.

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      Talk to your teen about drugs and alcohol. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry points out that experimentation with drugs and alcohol during adolescence is common, but that doesn't mean you should tolerate it. Inform your teen that you expect him to stay clean and sober regardless of what his friends are doing. Let him know that while you understand how difficult it can be to avoid peer pressure, that you trust that he will abide by your rules. A no-use policy is the best way to keep your teen safe and protected, says HealthyChildren.org.

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