How to deal with the mood swings of teenagers

Children mirror their parents’ behaviour. This is referred to as ‘observational learning’. Also, teens are deeply influenced by both positive and negative parental attributes, including temperament. Nonetheless, a child might be prone to sudden outbursts and disruptive behaviour irrespective of the home environment. There are multiple ways to handle mood swings or tantrums of teenagers:

As a parent, it’s essential to remain calm and composed when your teen is throwing a temper tantrum. Reacting emotionally will merely aggravate the situation. Regardless of whether your teen chooses to speak with you or not, be understanding of the process of sharing your feelings. Always keep in mind that a child will respond better to empathy, kindness, and patience even in the safe atmosphere you have built.

Sumeet Mehta, parenting expert and co-founder, LEAD, Parenting Aaj Kal With Sumeet says, “Get to the root cause of the issue. Listen to your child calmly and attentively. Let them know that their feelings are valid even if their behaviour is not acceptable. Try to understand why your teenager is upset and then set out to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Show your empathy by using phrases like “I understand that you’re frustrated because…” or “Tell me your problem and we will try to solve it together.”

One of the best ways to ensure that your child does not develop a temper is to not demonstrate negative emotions or feelings in front of your child, who might pick up such cues as ‘normal’ behaviour in challenging situations. Always try to provide your child with a safe space where they can chat and be themselves. Even though you may not agree with their choices, at least they are moving in the right direction. When we embrace our young adults without passing judgment, it makes it easier for them to deal with life's challenges and boosts their self-confidence.

“Help your child learn healthy ways to cope with anger or frustration through calming techniques such as deep breathing or counting to 10. You can ease your teen's anxiety and give them a sense of comfort by offering them a hug or holding their hand. Praise your child whenever they handle a challenging situation calmly or express their feelings appropriately. Positive reinforcement will encourage good behaviour,” says Mehta.

Children discover their personalities, interests, and other aspects of who they are during the teenage years. Being distinctive leads to independence. Teenagers typically complain about having to follow stringent guidelines, deadlines, and expectations while also wanting greater freedom. As they discover their identities, remind your kids to treat you with unwavering love, respect, and support.